A safer lab system to study how bunyaviruses enter cells and trigger antibodies
Official title: Project 1-A novel BSL2 system for studying bunyavirus entry and antigenicity
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11336497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, safer lab approach (BSL2) to study how bunyaviruses get into cells and how our immune system recognizes them, with potential implications for vaccines and therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $221,250 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM134974-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for direct patient enrollment; aims to advance understanding that could benefit people at risk of bunyavirus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not required for this project.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how bunyaviruses like hantaviruses and Rift Valley fever virus enter human cells by focusing on their Gn/Gc surface proteins. By developing surrogate viruses that can be studied at BSL-2, researchers hope to map key entry steps and the corresponding antibody responses without needing high-containment facilities. The work includes creating assays to measure binding and neutralization and to explore how antibody responses relate to protection. Findings could inform design of vaccines or antibody-based therapies and help predict immune protection. The study is rooted in human health concerns, especially in regions affected by these viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could accelerate safer vaccine and therapeutic strategies against bunyaviruses that threaten people and livestock.
How similar studies have gone: Previous surrogate-virus approaches exist but current systems are inefficient, so this represents an important next step with potential for meaningful impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jangra, Rohit K — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Jangra, Rohit K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.