How genetic differences affect brain infection by mosquito- and tick-borne viruses
Host Factors Controlling Neuroinvasive Flavivirus Pathogenesis
Researchers are looking at how inherited genetic differences change whether mosquito- and tick-borne viruses can get into the brain, using diverse mouse models to mimic human variation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141611 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've had or worry about mosquito- or tick-borne brain infections, this project looks at why some genetic backgrounds protect people while others allow the virus into the brain. Researchers infect panels of genetically diverse mice with flaviviruses (like West Nile and Powassan), measure virus levels in blood and brain, and track immune and blood–brain barrier responses. They will search the mouse genomes to find host genes that change susceptibility to neuroinvasion and test how those genes affect inflammation and viral control. Results will be used to guide whether the same genes or markers should be examined in people at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people directly, but its findings are most relevant to people who have had or are at risk for neuroinvasive flavivirus infections such as West Nile, Powassan, or Japanese encephalitis.
Not a fit: People with illnesses unrelated to mosquito- or tick-borne flaviviruses, or who need immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical mouse-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify genetic markers or immune pathways that help predict who is at higher risk of brain infection and point to new ways to prevent or treat severe flavivirus disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work using mouse genetics and Collaborative Cross lines has found host genes that alter flavivirus outcomes, but translating those findings into human risk markers or therapies is still early.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lazear, Helen — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lazear, Helen
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.