How encephalitis-causing viruses attack the brain and spinal cord
A clear view of encephalitis: a single cell approach to determine the basis of flaviviral pathogenesis in the central nervous system
['FUNDING_R01'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11247140
Researchers are using mouse models and human stem-cell derived brain cells to learn how West Nile and related viruses invade the brain, which may help people with encephalitis in the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project combines experiments in mice with human induced pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models of brain cells to see which cells get infected and how they respond. Scientists will use single-cell methods and whole-brain tissue clearing with light-sheet microscopy to map virus spread and immune signals across the brain and spinal cord. They will compare infection that starts in the body versus direct brain exposure to understand how peripheral immune activity changes which brain cells are targeted. The goal is a detailed, time-resolved map of viral targets and local immune reactions in the central nervous system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of or risk for encephalitic flavivirus infection, or those willing to donate blood/tissue for research, would be the most relevant candidates to support related human-sample work.
Not a fit: Because the project is primarily lab-based and uses animal and cell models, patients seeking immediate treatment for acute encephalitis are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments or diagnostics for encephalitic flavivirus infections like West Nile virus.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell sequencing and advanced brain imaging have helped clarify immune responses in other brain infections and neuroinflammatory conditions, but applying this combined approach specifically to encephalitic flaviviruses is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RICE, CHARLES M — ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RICE, CHARLES M
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.