Investigating how D-Glucose and D-Mannose metabolism can help fight arenaviruses
Official title: Exploration of D-Glucose and D-Mannose Metabolism to Target arenaviruses
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11125013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain sugars, like D-Glucose and D-Mannose, help dangerous viruses survive, with the goal of finding new ways to treat infections caused by these viruses, which could lead to better options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $626,423 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI180072-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in endemic regions of arenavirus infections, particularly those at risk of contracting diseases like Lassa fever or other hemorrhagic fevers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of arenavirus infections or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the metabolism of D-Glucose and D-Mannose to develop new antiviral strategies against arenaviruses, which cause severe hemorrhagic fevers. The team will utilize carbohydrate mimetics and antimetabolites, including isotopically labeled monosaccharides, to understand how these viruses depend on these sugars for their survival and replication. By targeting these metabolic pathways, the research aims to identify potential antiviral agents that could be used to combat infections caused by these dangerous viruses. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that could emerge from this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective antiviral treatments for arenavirus infections, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting viral metabolism is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in the context of arenaviruses.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paessler, Slobodan — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Paessler, Slobodan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.