Investigating how Frizzled 5 affects the development and function of immune cells that fight viral infections.
Official title: Role of Frizzled 5 in NK cell development and antiviral host immunity
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10996081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called Frizzled 5 helps natural killer (NK) cells, which are important for fighting off viral infections, work better, with the hope of finding new ways to boost the immune response in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI178958-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who may have compromised NK cell function or are at risk for severe viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully functional NK cells and no history of viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Frizzled 5 in the development and function of natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for controlling viral infections. By studying how Wnt signaling influences NK cell survival and their antiviral responses, the research aims to uncover new insights into immune system functioning. The approach involves examining the molecular mechanisms that regulate NK cell activity and their interaction with viral pathogens. This could lead to better strategies for enhancing antiviral immunity in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for viral infections by enhancing the body's immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune cell signaling pathways can lead to significant advancements in antiviral therapies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owyong, Mark — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Owyong, Mark
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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.