Understanding how certain viruses evade the immune system
Official title: The B22 family of orthopoxvirus virulence factors: Investigating structure/function of these potent, multifaceted immunoevasins
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11030280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins made by viruses like smallpox and monkeypox to see how they help the viruses hide from our immune system, which could lead to better ways to prevent or treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 6, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $719,964 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182049-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of infections from orthopoxviruses, including healthcare workers and those in close contact with infected individuals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no exposure risk to orthopoxviruses or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the B22 family of proteins produced by orthopoxviruses, which include dangerous viruses like smallpox and monkeypox. The study aims to understand how these proteins help the viruses evade the immune system, particularly by affecting the function of key immune cells. By using animal models, researchers will explore the structure and function of these proteins to uncover their role in virulence and immune evasion. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by these viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines or therapies against serious viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral immune evasion mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenlohr, Laurence Crane — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Eisenlohr, Laurence Crane
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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.