Investigating new proteins in poxviruses
Official title: Poxvirus-encoded noncanonical open reading frames
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-10837813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins in poxviruses, like those that cause smallpox and monkeypox, to understand how they help the virus grow, which could lead to better vaccines and treatments for these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 5, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,364 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178638-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10837813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with conditions related to poxvirus infections or those at risk for such infections may benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral infections or unrelated health conditions are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on poxviruses, including those that cause diseases like smallpox and monkeypox. It aims to identify and understand the functions of newly discovered proteins encoded by non-canonical open reading frames in the vaccinia virus. Using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling, the researchers will explore how these proteins contribute to the virus's ability to replicate. This work could lead to new insights into how poxviruses function and may inform the development of vaccines and therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of poxviruses and lead to improved treatments or vaccines for related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of non-canonical open reading frames in viruses is a relatively novel approach, similar studies in other viral families have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Zhilong — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Yang, Zhilong
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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.