How alphaviruses get into the brain
Viral and host factors in neuroinvasion of encephalitis alphaviruses
This project looks at how mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses enter and spread in the brain to help people affected by alphavirus infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Western Ontario NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, Canada) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I'm someone at risk for or recovering from encephalitic alphavirus infection, this work focuses on Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses and how they invade the central nervous system. The team studies how viral elements (like the 3'UTR) and host cells — including blood-brain barrier endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and immune sentinel cells — influence entry and spread. Researchers use molecular virology, cell-based experiments, and animal and tissue models to trace routes of neuroinvasion and the role of cytokine responses. The goal is to map mechanisms that could point to ways to block brain entry or lessen neurological damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are at risk of Venezuelan, eastern, or western equine encephalitis infection, or survivors with ongoing neurological symptoms, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with unrelated infections or conditions, or those not exposed to alphaviruses, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to strategies to prevent viruses from reaching the brain or to treatments that reduce brain inflammation and long-term damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have identified some routes and immune responses in alphavirus neuroinvasion, but many molecular details remain novel and are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
London, Canada
- University of Western Ontario — London, Canada (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klein, Robyn S. — University of Western Ontario
- Study coordinator: Klein, Robyn S.
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 below.