Creating a mouse model to study hepatitis B virus infection

Breaching the species barrier: Towards an immunocompetent HBV-susceptible mouse model

NIH-funded research Rockefeller University · NIH-11114005

This study is creating a special type of mouse that can get infected with the hepatitis B virus to help scientists learn more about the virus and find better treatments for people living with chronic hepatitis B.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRockefeller University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11114005 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a new mouse model that can be infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is crucial for understanding and potentially curing chronic HBV infections. Current treatments can suppress the virus but do not eliminate it, and existing animal models are not suitable for studying the immune response to HBV. By engineering mice that can support HBV infection and have a functional immune system, researchers hope to explore new therapeutic strategies that could restore the immune response against the virus. This innovative approach could lead to breakthroughs in treatment options for patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic hepatitis B infection who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with acute hepatitis B or those who do not have hepatitis B infection may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments or even a cure for chronic hepatitis B infection.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been attempts to create animal models for HBV, this specific approach of using immunocompetent mice is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.