Understanding how West Nile virus interacts with human proteins to evade the immune system
Defining the Role of West Nile Virus-Host Protein Interactions in Evading Antiviral Immunity
This study is looking at how the West Nile virus hides from our immune system by interacting with certain proteins in our body, and it's for anyone interested in finding new ways to treat infections caused by this virus and similar ones like dengue and Zika.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10647898 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the West Nile virus (WNV) interacts with proteins in the human body to avoid being attacked by the immune system. By using advanced techniques like affinity purification and mass spectrometry, the team identifies specific host proteins that WNV targets during infection. The study also compares these interactions with those of other related viruses, such as dengue and Zika, to find common pathways that could be targeted for treatment. The goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to effective antiviral therapies for flavivirus infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with West Nile virus or are at risk of infection due to mosquito exposure.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of flavivirus infections or those who have already developed severe complications from such infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments for infections caused by West Nile virus and other related flaviviruses.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in identifying host-pathogen interactions in similar flavivirus studies, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramage, Holly — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Ramage, Holly
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 below.