Project Grant R21AI200314

Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Iowa received a $233,250 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028. This research initiative focuses on elucidating differential filovirus glycoprotein inhibition by interferon signaling, specifically investigating why Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoproteins are more sensitive to type I and II interferon-dependent inhibition than Marburg virus (MARV) glycoproteins. The research deliverables include fundamental scientific insights into the molecular determinants of species barriers to filovirus infection and identification of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that selectively restrict EBOV but not MARV entry.

The grant supports two primary research objectives: (1) characterizing which human and mouse cells inhibit EBOV glycoprotein-dependent entry when pretreated with interferon, and defining which filovirus glycoproteins are sensitive to interferon pretreatment; and (2) identifying and characterizing host factors responsible for differential antiviral effects on filovirus glycoproteins. Upon completion, this research is expected to yield a comprehensive understanding of an underappreciated interferon inhibition mechanism controlling filovirus entry and potentially provide the scientific basis for future antiviral therapeutic approaches to combat devastating filovirus outbreaks.