# Dynamic Control of Innate Antiviral Immunity in Skin Homeostasis and Inflammation

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $541,109

## Abstract

Project Summary
Loss-of-function mutations and suppression of innate antiviral proteins, such as OAS2 and OASL are associated with high
viral infection rates in mice and humans. Because of their induction by interferons, these antiviral proteins are often
referred to as interferon-stimulated genes (ISG). While recombinant interferon stimulates production of these antiviral
proteins, type I interferon’s severe toxicity is the major limitation in its therapeutic utility. Additionally, pharmacological
antivirals, such as acyclovir, have a high risk for triggering neutropenia and nephrotoxicity in vulnerable patient
populations. Therefore, there is a significant unmet clinical need for new antiviral therapeutics. This need can be
addressed by developing a full understanding of interferon-independent regulation of endogenous antiviral proteins and
identifying targets for therapy and prevention by activation of this incredibly potent natural antiviral pathway. Our
proposed work will answer important question: 1) Which interferon-independent signals and pathways can induce
antiviral competence? 2) Does epithelial antiviral innate immunity differ on a single cell level? 3) What factors
collaborate in the induction of innate antiviral immunity?

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10150818
- **Project number:** 5R01AI139207-04
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Yunyan Zhang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $541,109
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-05-11 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10150818

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10150818, Dynamic Control of Innate Antiviral Immunity in Skin Homeostasis and Inflammation (5R01AI139207-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10150818. Licensed CC0.

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