Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses
NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
About This Grant
Project Summary To gain access to cells, most viruses attach to receptor molecules. While many virus receptors have been identified, the impact of post-translational modifications on receptor function remains understudied. Glycosylation is a major type of post-translational modification of cell surface proteins, and viruses often exploit cell surface glycans for entry. However, given the extreme heterogeneity of glycosylation, it is unlikely that all glycans play equivalent roles in host-virus interactions. This proposal posits that specific glycosylation patterns can disrupt virus-receptor interactions, serving as a host defense mechanism against viral entry. My preliminary studies identify β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 2 (B3GNT2) as an interferon-stimulated gene that strongly inhibits multiple alphaviruses, including Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV). B3GNT2 catalyzes the biosynthesis of poly-N-acetyllactosamine (polyLacNAc) chains leading to heavy and bulky glycosylation of LDLRAD3, a host receptor for VEEV. Consistent with its role in receptor glycosylation, B3GNT2 reduces VEEV attachment to the cell surface. Based on these findings, I hypothesize that B3GNT2 inhibits VEEV entry by glycosylating the viral receptor and may protect against VEEV-induced pathogenesis in vivo. Given its broad antiviral effects against multiple alphaviruses, I further hypothesize that B3GNT2 inhibits other alphaviruses including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), through a similar mechanism. In the K99 mentored phase, I will integrate biochemical, cell biological, and glycan-based approaches to define the antiviral mechanism of B3GNT2 against VEEV (Aim 1) and investigate its antiviral role in VEEV pathogenesis using mouse models (Aim 2). In the R00 phase, I will extend these studies to CHIKV infection in B3gnt2 knockout mice and define the role of polyLacNAc glycosylation in blocking receptor-mediated entry of multiple alphaviruses (Aim 3). These studies will provide key insight into how host cells prevent viral entry through glycosylation and establish experimental tools to explore the broader role of glycosylation in host-pathogen interactions.
Grant Summary
Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses is a NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant providing up to $149K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-04-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $149K
2028-04-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases before the deadline.
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Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses?
Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses is offered by NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses provide?
Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses provides up to $149K per award from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses deadline?
Applications for Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses are due 2028-04-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses?
To apply for Glycosylation as a host defense strategy for multiple alphaviruses, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.