Balance problems after Lassa virus infection in mice
Official title: Balance Dysfunction Induced by Lassa Virus Infection
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11384757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice explores how Lassa fever can cause dizziness and balance problems, with the aim of finding ways to prevent or treat this after-effects in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $647,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021542-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with a history of Lassa fever who developed or are at risk for post-infection balance or hearing problems; future trials may include patients with these symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of Lassa fever or balance disorders may not benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model of Lassa fever to study how the virus affects the inner ear and balance. Researchers will track when and where vestibular damage appears after infection and how this relates to changes in balance-related behavior. They will also test potential treatments or preventive approaches to protect or restore balance, with the goal of informing human care after viral infections. Long-term, the work seeks to uncover mechanisms behind post-viral balance disorders and translate findings into prevention and treatment strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better prevention and treatment of balance problems in people recovering from Lassa fever or similar viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models has linked viral infections to vestibular dysfunction, but this project aims to directly map timing and mechanisms and test treatments in the LF mouse model.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makishima, Tomoko — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Makishima, Tomoko
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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.