Targeting a protein to fight a common virus
Official title: Targeting Nuclear HSF1 as a Novel Anti-HCMV Strategy
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11005730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with weakened immune systems who are dealing with the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) by using a special compound to block a protein that helps the virus grow, with the hope of creating better treatments that can both control the virus and get rid of infected cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $629,516 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170834-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals or neonates who are at high risk for severe HCMV infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HCMV or those with fully functioning immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to combat human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which can cause severe illness in individuals with weakened immune systems. The study focuses on inhibiting a protein called heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) using a specific compound, DTHIB, which has shown promise in reducing the virus's ability to replicate and in killing infected cells. By targeting both the virus and the infected cells, this research aims to develop a more effective treatment strategy for HCMV. Patients may benefit from improved antiviral therapies that not only manage the virus but also eliminate the source of infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for HCMV, reducing the risk of severe disease in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar strategies targeting viral replication and infected cells have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Gary Ching Tao — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Chan, Gary Ching Tao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How the left-right body axis forms during early development
This project explores how the left-right body axis is set up in early embryos, aiming to understand and prevent birth defects related to organ placement.
-
Unraveling how Ribosome Production Is Regulated in Human Cells
This grant explores how the enzyme that makes ribosomal RNA is put together and controlled, with potential connections to cancer and Treacher Collins Syndrome.
-
Defining immune markers predicting protection against dengue in a long-term family study in Thailand
This grant looks at how antibodies develop to protect against dengue in children from a long-running family cohort in Thailand, with the goal of identifying immune signs that predict protection across multiple dengue serotypes.
-
Understanding dengue protection in children from a long-term Thai family cohort
A long-term study in Thailand follows families to understand how early exposures to dengue shape protection and illness risk for children as they encounter the virus over time.
-
SLE treatment with N-acetylcysteine for lupus patients
This project tests whether N-acetylcysteine, a safe supplement, can help people with systemic lupus erythematosus by supporting the body's natural defenses and reducing disease activity.
-
Synaptopathy and CYLD in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
A new NIH-funded project will look at how CYLD gene changes contribute to synapse problems in people with frontotemporal dementia.
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.