Understanding how APOBEC3B helps the immune system fight viruses
Official title: Role of APOBEC3B in the Innate Immune Response
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11136776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called APOBEC3B helps our immune system fight off viruses like COVID-19, and it hopes to find new ways to boost our body's defenses against infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $228,435 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185033-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma or COPD, who may be at higher risk for viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic lung conditions or are not at risk for viral infections may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the APOBEC3B enzyme in the innate immune response, particularly how it protects cells from various viral infections, including COVID-19. The study focuses on the enzyme's ability to induce mutations in viral genomes to prevent replication, as well as its non-canonical mechanisms that inhibit viruses without altering their genetic material. By exploring these pathways, the research aims to uncover new strategies for enhancing immune responses against viral pathogens. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved treatments for viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the body's ability to fight viral infections, including COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches targeting innate immune responses have been successful in enhancing antiviral defenses, suggesting potential for this study's findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buisson, Remi — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Buisson, Remi
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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.