Shawn Lyons, PhD

Research Project:
Exploiting Weak Spot in How Viruses Operate to Combat Severe Respiratory Infections

Grant Awarded:

Emerging Respiratory Pathogen Award

Research Topic:

immunology immunotherapy

Research Diseases:

influenza
respiratory syncytial virus
respiratory viruses

Respiratory viruses like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza A virus (IAV) rely on human cells to produce the proteins needed for their multiplication. Normally, protein synthesis in cells begins with a factor called eIF4E1. However, our research shows that RSV and IAV bypass eIF4E1 and use a less-studied factor, eIF4E3. This ability may allow these viruses to keep making their proteins even when the cell’s usual protein-making processes are disrupted during stress or infection. This discovery highlights a potential weak spot in how viruses operate. Unlike eIF4E1, eIF4E3 is not impacted by cellular defenses, giving viruses an advantage. We will investigate if other respiratory viruses also exploit eIF4E3 and explore whether blocking eIF4E3 can stop viral multiplication without harming normal cells. These findings could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments targeting eIF4E3 to combat severe respiratory infections.

Page last updated: October 30, 2025

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