Next-Generation Interferons to decode how they fight viruses
Official title: Next-Generation Interferons: Mapping and Engineering Antiviral Function
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11436615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team at Harvard is building a new DNA-enabled screening tool to understand how different interferons work against viruses and how to design better ones for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $456,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI201031-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with severe viral infections or immune disorders who could benefit from improved interferon-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit include those not impacted by interferon pathways or without access to emerging therapies.
What this research studies
This project aims to map how interferon sequences influence their antiviral power and inflammatory effects, using a novel synthetic-DNA screening platform. The work connects genetics, immunity, and potential therapies to predict which interferon variants may be most effective with fewer side effects. It involves collaboration with experts to translate basic science findings into treatments that could help patients with viral infections or immune-related diseases. The results could guide safer, more targeted interferon therapies in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to smarter interferon therapies that better protect patients from viral infections while reducing harmful inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interferon biology is linked to disease outcomes, but a predictive grammar for sequence–function is still being developed.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le Pen, Jeremie — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Le Pen, Jeremie
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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.