Why different flu strains affect the body differently
Official title: Mechanistic bases of strain-specific virus-host interactions
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-11264918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a flu protein called NS1 helps different influenza strains hide from human immune defenses, aiming to help people who get the flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $367,582 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152007-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People recently infected with influenza or willing to donate respiratory or blood samples for research would be most relevant to related sample-based studies.
✕Less likely to help
This grant funds laboratory research rather than a clinical treatment, so patients seeking immediate therapies are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
What this research studies
Scientists will examine the NS1 protein from many influenza A strains to see how specific mutations change its interactions with human proteins. They will use structural tools like cryo-electron microscopy and biophysical experiments, together with cell-based tests, to observe how NS1 blocks antiviral responses. The team will map how combinations of mutations (epistasis) alter NS1 function across strains. Results are intended to explain why some strains are more harmful and to guide future antiviral approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or vaccine strategies that better protect people across different flu strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown NS1 helps influenza evade immunity and some structural studies exist, but comprehensive analysis of strain-specific epistatic changes is still largely novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Jae Hyun — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Cho, Jae Hyun
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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.