Targeting PARP14 and PARP15 ADP‑ribose sites to block viral effects

Defining the Biochemical Function and Therapeutic Utility of Unique PARP14 and PARP15 ADP-Ribosylation Sites

NIH-funded research Santa Clara University · NIH-11220864

Researchers will map how two human enzymes (PARP14 and PARP15) add and remove ADP‑ribose on proteins and create peptide blockers that might stop viruses from hijacking cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanta Clara University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Clara, United States)
Project IDNIH-11220864 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project studies tiny chemical tags called ADP‑ribose that are added to and removed from proteins by PARP14 and PARP15. Scientists will identify the exact sites of these tags, follow how the tags are altered and removed, and characterize the enzymes involved using biochemical lab methods. They will also design and test peptide-based inhibitors aimed at blocking harmful ADP‑ribose signaling. Although the work is done in biochemical and cell-based systems now, it is intended to point toward new antiviral approaches in the future.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with viral infections or conditions linked to PARP/ADP‑ribosylation dysfunction would be the most likely future candidates for therapies developed from this work.

Not a fit: People with health problems unrelated to viral infection or ADP‑ribose signaling are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable new antiviral treatments that prevent viruses from exploiting ADP‑ribose signaling.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work indicates PARP14 and PARP15 affect antiviral responses, but directly connecting single ADP‑ribosylation sites to function and creating peptide inhibitors is largely novel.

Where this research is happening

Santa Clara, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.