How certain dangerous viruses hijack human cells
Research Project 1: Discovery and dissection of virus-host interactions and pathogenetic mechanisms
Researchers are identifying how dangerous viruses like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Andes virus hijack human cells to guide new vaccines and treatments for people at risk of severe infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180172 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map which human proteins and pathways viruses need to enter cells and cause damage, focusing on viruses such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Andes virus (ANDV), and Menangle virus. Scientists will use genetic screening tools (CRISPR/Cas9) and time-resolved protein studies to find entry receptors and other host factors. Selected findings will be tested in gene-edited rodent models and in laboratory cell systems to see how removing or changing these factors affects infection. The goal is to reveal shared vulnerabilities these viruses use so new vaccines, medicines, or diagnostic models can be developed faster.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal patients would include people who have had or are at risk for infections with CCHFV, Andes virus, Menangle virus, or related severe viral diseases and who might consider contributing samples or joining future clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for an active infection or those affected only by unrelated common viruses are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new vaccine or drug targets and better animal models that reduce disease severity and speed countermeasure development.
How similar studies have performed: Related methods like CRISPR screening and proteomics have successfully identified host factors for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, but applying them to CCHFV, Andes, and Menangle is less well explored.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandran, Kartik — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Chandran, Kartik
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.