Federal Grant Award Summary

Boston University Medical Campus received a $204,375 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) for the period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. The award funds investigator-initiated research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of filovirus messenger RNA (mRNA) translation, with particular focus on Ebola virus. The project deliverables include the development of novel recombinant reporter viruses to measure viral protein synthesis rates and the application of auxin-inducible degron technology to identify cellular proteins that facilitate filovirus mRNA translation.

The research addresses a significant gap in understanding how filoviruses efficiently translate mRNA despite structural constraints in their 5' untranslated regions that typically impede canonical cap-dependent translation. The project will generate scientific knowledge regarding the cellular and viral factors required for optimal filovirus protein synthesis, with anticipated outcomes including identification of novel translation mechanisms and cellular protein requirements. These research findings are intended to advance understanding of filovirus pathogenicity and potentially inform development of antiviral interventions targeting critical translation processes.