How reovirus builds 'factories' inside cells
Cell Biology of Reovirus Infection
This project looks at how reovirus forms tiny factory-like structures inside cells and how that process may relate to celiac disease and cancer therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11263638 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are a patient, this research watches how reovirus proteins gather inside infected cells to form concentrated sites where the virus copies its genome and assembles new virus particles. Scientists use lab-grown cells and animal models, advanced microscopy, genetic tools, and biochemical assays to follow viral proteins (like µNS and σNS), their interactions with host proteins, and how new viral particles are transported out of the cell. The team studies liquid-like phase separation, RNA synthesis, and vesicle-based release mechanisms to map the steps that could be targeted to stop infection or improve virus-based cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with celiac disease or patients enrolled in or receiving reovirus-based oncolytic therapies who can provide tissue, blood, or clinical data would be the most relevant candidates to contribute.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment benefit or individuals with conditions unrelated to reovirus biology are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could identify molecular steps to block harmful reovirus activity in celiac disease or to make reovirus-based cancer therapies safer and more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies of viral factory formation have advanced understanding for other RNA viruses and reovirus has been explored as an oncolytic agent, but the specific molecular mechanisms targeted here are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dermody, Terence S. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dermody, Terence 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.