How mosquito-borne viruses affect vitamin A metabolism
Official title: The mechanism of flaviviral suppression of vitamin A metabolism
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10890716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses spread by mosquitoes, like dengue and Zika, change the way our bodies use vitamin A and how this affects our body odors, which might help attract more mosquitoes; the goal is to find new ways to control mosquito populations and reduce the spread of these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI177623-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with mosquito-borne viruses like dengue or Zika.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with mosquito-borne viruses or those who do not have any vitamin A metabolism issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue and Zika, can alter the metabolism of vitamin A in their hosts. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which these viruses manipulate host body odors to attract mosquitoes, thereby enhancing their transmission. By examining the interaction between viral infections and the expression of specific antimicrobial peptides in the skin, the research aims to uncover new insights into virus-host interactions. This could lead to novel strategies for controlling mosquito populations and reducing virus transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for preventing the spread of mosquito-borne viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that understanding virus-host interactions can lead to significant advancements in controlling infectious diseases, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Penghua — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Wang, Penghua
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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.