Selective GAK inhibitors to fight dengue, VEEV and other emerging viral infections
Official title: Selective GAK inhibitors to combat dengue, Venezuelan equine encephalitis and other emerging viral infections
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11563771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Stanford team is testing new, selective inhibitors of GAK to block how certain viruses enter and exit cells, with the goal of a broad antiviral approach that could help people exposed to dengue, VEEV, and similar infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $720,714 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI198710-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11563771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for direct patient participation in this early-stage work; humans would be involved only as future trial candidates or through samples once developed into therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals should not expect immediate benefit during this preclinical stage; translation to clinical therapies will require further studies.
What this research studies
This project focuses on drugs that target a human protein called GAK to disrupt RNA virus trafficking. Researchers have developed highly selective GAK inhibitors and will test their safety and effectiveness in preclinical models against dengue, VEEV, Ebola, and other viruses. The work includes evaluating how these compounds affect viral life cycles and potential ways to minimize resistance. If successful, this host-targeted approach could lead to broad antiviral strategies that complement vaccines and direct-acting antivirals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from new antiviral options that work across multiple viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous non-selective inhibitors showed protective effects in mice, supporting the concept of host-targeted antivirals; the new selective inhibitors aim to improve safety and efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Einav, Shirit — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Einav, Shirit
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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.