Understanding how Zika virus proteins affect the immune response
Official title: Zika virus nonstructural protein 5 inhibition of interferon signaling
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10911214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the Zika virus tricks our immune system, which is important for fighting off infections, and it aims to find ways to create better treatments or vaccines for Zika and similar viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $812,848 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175303-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with the Zika virus or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by Zika virus or related flavivirus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Zika virus nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) interferes with the body's immune signaling, specifically the type I interferon response, which is crucial for fighting viral infections. By using advanced techniques like deep mutational scanning, the researchers aim to identify the specific genetic factors that allow the Zika virus to evade the immune system. The findings could lead to the development of new antiviral therapies or vaccines that are more effective against Zika and related viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and vaccines for Zika virus infections, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting viral proteins to enhance immune responses, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Matthew J — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Evans, Matthew J
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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.