Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio received a $153,560 project grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded October 8, 2026, with completion targeted for April 30, 2027. This research initiative, titled "Unleashing Natural Immunity Against Epstein-Barr Virus," aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches to combat Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) by leveraging the host's natural antiviral defenses. The project addresses a critical gap in current treatment options, as no FDA-approved antivirals currently exist for EBV infections despite the virus's substantial global health burden and association with infectious mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, and EBV-associated cancers.

The research deliverables focus on disrupting the interaction between EBV's ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and the cellular antiviral enzyme APOBEC3B (A3B) through both genetic and pharmacological approaches. Aim 1 employs separation-of-function mutants to determine whether EBV RNR's enzymatic activity or A3B-binding capability is more critical for viral replication and disease progression in vivo, while simultaneously elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which A3B restricts EBV. Aim 2 pursues pharmacological disruption of the RNR-A3B interaction to restore A3B's natural antiviral function, thereby reducing EBV lytic replication and pathogenesis. These research activities represent translational science aimed at restoring natural immunity pathways for therapeutic benefit.