Understanding how the body fights Zika virus infection
Official title: Characterizing host proteins that restrict Zika virus
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10995008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's natural defenses fight off the Zika virus, focusing on a special protein that helps control the virus, and it aims to find new ways to boost these defenses to help people who get infected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,802 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI181359-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been infected with Zika virus or are at risk of infection, particularly pregnant women and their newborns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of Zika virus infection or those with pre-existing severe neurological conditions unrelated to Zika may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the innate immune system responds to Zika virus (ZIKV) infections, particularly focusing on the role of type I interferon (IFN) in controlling the virus. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study aims to identify host proteins that help restrict ZIKV replication in human cells. The goal is to uncover the genetic factors that contribute to the immune response against ZIKV, which could lead to new treatments for those affected by the virus. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance the body's natural defenses against ZIKV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat Zika virus infections and their associated complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying host factors that influence viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into Zika virus interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Willcox, Alexandra Claiborne — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Willcox, Alexandra Claiborne
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.