New medicines for COVID-19 that boost the body's own defenses
Host Defense Small Molecule Development for COVID-19 Treatment by Targeting Lysosome
This research looks for new medicines to help our bodies fight off COVID-19 and similar viruses by strengthening natural cell defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129902 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have natural ways to fight off viruses like COVID-19, including a process called autophagy that cleans out infected cells. This project aims to find new small molecule drugs that can enhance this natural defense system. We found that a protein called TFEB, which is important for this defense, is reduced during coronavirus infections. We then identified another protein, DCAF7, that causes TFEB to decrease, and we've found compounds that can block DCAF7. These compounds help keep TFEB levels high, which in turn boosts the body's ability to clear the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This early-stage research is not yet recruiting patients, but future studies would likely focus on individuals with COVID-19 or other severe airway infections.
Not a fit: Patients without viral infections or those whose conditions do not involve the targeted cellular pathways would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for COVID-19 and future viral outbreaks by helping patients' own cells fight infection more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific small molecules are novel, the concept of boosting host defense mechanisms against viruses has shown promise in other areas of antiviral research.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yuan — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yuan
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.