Understanding how viruses use cellular processes to mature their RNA
Official title: Mechanisms of viral RNA maturation by co-opting cellular exonucleases
Funded at New York Structural Biology Center · NIH-11078360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses like dengue and Zika trick our cells to help them survive and grow, and by understanding this, researchers hope to find new ways to fight these viruses and help people stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Structural Biology Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,065,719 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AI133348-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals at risk for flavivirus infections, such as those living in endemic areas or travelers to such regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-flavivirus related viral infections or those who are not at risk for flavivirus infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain viruses, particularly flaviviruses like dengue and Zika, manipulate cellular mechanisms to produce viral RNA that can evade the body's antiviral responses. By studying the structures of specific RNA elements that resist degradation by cellular enzymes, researchers aim to uncover the intricate interactions between viral and host cellular components. The approach combines advanced techniques such as x-ray crystallography, biochemistry, and virology to explore these mechanisms in detail. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new antiviral strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies that effectively target and inhibit flavivirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral RNA interactions with host cells, but this specific approach to studying xrRNAs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Structural Biology Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kieft, Jeffrey S — New York Structural Biology Center
- Study coordinator: Kieft, Jeffrey S
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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.