Understanding how a non-traditional ISG15 helps or hinders flu virus control
Official title: Mechanistic understanding of influenza virus inhibition by non-canonical ISG15
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11440558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded project will explore how a specific human immune gene, ISG15, and its different forms affect influenza virus infection in cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202159-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with influenza or cancer patients whose immune responses involve ISG15 pathways.
✕Less likely to help
People with conditions not involving ISG15 or influenza biology may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This 2-year project focuses on the role of ISG15 in influenza virus interactions with human cells. Researchers will examine how alternative splicing creates different ISG15 forms and how those forms influence viral replication and immune responses. The work will use cell-based systems to study molecular pathways and may point to new ideas for therapies that modulate ISG15-related pathways in cancers and viral infections. The findings could clarify how ISG15 contributes to antiviral defense and cancer-related processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform the development of novel antiviral strategies and potential cancer therapies that leverage ISG15 pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown ISG15-related mechanisms can influence antiviral responses and immune regulation, but detailed isoform-specific roles in influenza are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Steven Frederick — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Baker, Steven Frederick
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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.