Learning how our bodies fight off serious viral infections
Understanding the OAS/RNase L pathway during pathogenic viral infections
This work explores how a key part of our immune system, called RNase L, helps protect us from severe viral infections and how some viruses manage to get around this defense.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195602 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a natural defense system called RNase L that helps fight off viruses. For a long time, we thought RNase L stopped viruses by shutting down their ability to make proteins, but new findings show that viruses can still produce proteins even when RNase L is active. This project aims to understand exactly how RNase L works to protect our cells by breaking down most cellular messages while allowing important antiviral messages to be made. We also want to discover how some dangerous viruses manage to avoid this defense mechanism, allowing them to continue growing inside our bodies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but focuses on understanding human biology related to viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients will not experience direct benefit or harm from this basic science work, as it is focused on fundamental biological discovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this pathway could lead to new strategies for strengthening our immune response against severe viral infections and developing more effective antiviral therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings have challenged long-held beliefs about how RNase L functions, indicating this work builds on recent discoveries while exploring new aspects of viral evasion.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, James M — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Burke, James M
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 below.