# Host Factors for Rhinovirus

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2024 · $388,750

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
We aim to define host factors that are associated with the more virulent human rhinoviruses (RV), RV-A and RV-
C. Although RV are the most frequent cause of the common cold, they also provoke more severe manifestations,
particularly in those with underlying lung disease. RV are the most frequent cause of asthma exacerbations,
specifically induced by RV-A and RV-C, and only rarely RV-B. We have found that RV-A and RV-C require the
host factor Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) for replication of their genome, while RV-B do not. Although
STING is an immune adaptor critical for immune sensing in DNA viruses, its importance during RNA infections
is becoming increasing recognized. In humans, STING1 exists as multiple variant alleles containing one or more
single nucleotide polymorphisms. The most common STING variant is deficient in type I interferon (IFN-I)
signaling, while other common variants have reduced IFN-I. As RV are restricted to only infect humans, we have
found that for RV-A and RV-C, STING is a restricting host factor. While human STING robustly supports RV-A
and RV-C replication, murine STING does not. The three Aims of the Project will explore the mechanism for
STING host factor activity, determine how natural STING alleles influence RV-A and RV-C replication, and
identify which nonstructural components of the virus interact with STING or the STING complex to promote
infection. By studying the host factor role of STING during RV replication, the proposed research will define
factors important for the increased virulence between RV species in this important human pathogen.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10795046
- **Project number:** 5R01AI153265-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Karen V Swanson
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $388,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-04-06 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10795046

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10795046, Host Factors for Rhinovirus (5R01AI153265-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10795046. Licensed CC0.

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