Protein Kinase R and hantavirus organ targeting in humans
Official title: Protein Kinase R's Role in Hantavirus Organ Tropism
Funded at Western University of Health Sciences · NIH-11358667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how PKR and related proteins influence where hantaviruses attack in the body, which could lead to better protection against kidney and heart/lung damage in people exposed to these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western University of Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pomona, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $540,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI194198-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients at risk for hantavirus exposure or those with hantavirus-related organ complications could benefit from advances in targeted therapies, diagnostics, or prevention strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure risk or without hantavirus infection may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project examines how hantaviruses interact with human endothelial cells in the kidney and heart, focusing on the role of PKR and the P58IPK inhibitor to understand why certain organs are targeted. It uses cell-based experiments to test how viral proteins affect PKR activity and viral replication, with implications for preventing organ failure. The work aims to identify molecular pathways that control tissue tropism and disease severity in hantavirus infections. Findings could inform future therapeutic strategies to reduce kidney injury and cardiopulmonary distress in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform new approaches to prevent or lessen kidney and heart/lung complications from hantavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that PKR pathways can influence hantavirus replication, supporting potential translational relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mir, Sheema — Western University of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mir, Sheema
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.