Stopping enteroviruses by targeting how they use cellular fats
Infection-specific lipid metabolism as a target to control enterovirus infections
The team is exploring whether blocking virus-driven changes in cell lipid metabolism can prevent or limit enterovirus infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Enteroviruses reprogram infected cells to break down stored fats and use the released fatty acids to build new viral membranes. Researchers will use laboratory cell models and biochemical tests to track lipid droplet breakdown, activation of acyl-CoA synthetases, and the rerouting of fatty acids into membrane phospholipids. They will test whether inhibiting those lipid-processing steps reduces viral replication in lab models and identifies targets for drugs. If successful, the work could point to new antiviral strategies that stop the virus by cutting off the membrane building blocks it needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or at risk for enterovirus illnesses (for example hand-foot-and-mouth disease, viral meningitis, or enteroviral myocarditis) would be the eventual intended beneficiaries of related therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with infections not caused by enteroviruses or medical problems unrelated to viral replication are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antivirals that prevent or reduce enterovirus infections by blocking the lipid pathways the virus depends on.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have already shown enteroviruses hijack lipid droplets and related enzymes, but turning that knowledge into effective antivirals is still largely unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belov, George a. — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Belov, George a.
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.