University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Microbiology & ImmunologyPrenylation and Antiviral Immunity Lab
Ram Savan · Seattle, Washington
Research Focus
Dr. Ram Savan's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how a specific protein modification called prenylation contributes to the body's defenses against viral infections. By studying how this modification affects the behavior and function of antiviral proteins, the lab aims to uncover new ways to enhance antiviral immunity and develop novel therapeutic targets for treating viral diseases. This research holds significant potential for advancing our knowledge of the immune system and improving public health responses to viral threats.
prenylationantiviral immunityinterferonviral pathogenesisprotein modificationhost-pathogen interactionantiviral proteinsinnate immune responsetherapeutic targets
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of prenylation in antiviral immunity.
AIM 02Identify the functional consequences of prenylated proteins on immune signaling.
AIM 03Assess the impact of perturbing prenylation enzymes on virus control.
AIM 04Explore the relationship between prenylation and interferon-induced antiviral responses.
AIM 05Develop novel antiviral drug targets based on prenylation mechanisms.
Skills the Lab Values
biochemical screeningprotein interaction assayscell cultureRNA analysisimmunoblottingmicroscopyvirus culture techniquesgene editing (CRISPR)bioinformaticssignal transduction assays
Output against the department
Publications92bottom 31% of dept.333rd of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.5kbottom 41% of dept.286th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.