Polyamines and viral infection: how viruses hijack cell metabolism
Official title: Uncovering and harnessing connected metabolic pathways essential to virus infection.
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11392976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how RNA viruses use cellular polyamines to enter cells, replicate, and affect cell metabolism, with the goal of finding ways to block infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $414,577 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM138199-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or living with RNA virus infections where metabolism-related interventions might be beneficial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral illnesses or those unlikely to respond to metabolism-based interventions may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
If you have a condition caused by RNA viruses, this research could lead to new strategies to prevent or reduce viral infections by targeting how viruses use polyamines in your cells. The project plans to map how viruses rely on polyamines for binding, entry, and replication, and to see how polyamine changes affect cell stress and survival during infection. By studying these interactions, scientists aim to uncover metabolic checkpoints that could be targeted to limit virus growth and protect patients. The work will also explore how polyamines connect with other cellular nutrients and pathways, potentially revealing new angles for therapy that are less likely to cause side effects. Results could inform future drugs or interventions that help people stay healthier when faced with RNA virus infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches to prevent or limit RNA virus infections by disrupting how viruses use cellular metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that altering polyamine pathways can influence viral replication, with promising signs but this specific approach is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mounce, Bryan C — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mounce, Bryan C
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.