How Rift Valley fever virus packages its genetic material
Official title: Investigation of RNA packaging in Rift Valley fever virus
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11237090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are working to understand how Rift Valley fever virus packs its RNA to help prevent illness in people and animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,774 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI187192-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
If human sample collection or clinical studies are later added, ideal participants would be people in regions affected by Rift Valley fever or patients who have recovered and can donate samples.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not at risk for Rift Valley fever or who have unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
What this research studies
This project looks at how Rift Valley fever virus arranges its three RNA segments when making new virus particles. Scientists will examine infected cells and viral particles in the lab, using molecular tools to track RNA–protein interactions and the steps of viral assembly. They will also use animal models to test how disrupting packaging affects infection. Results aim to reveal vulnerabilities that could guide future vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new vaccine or antiviral approaches that reduce severe disease, vision loss, and outbreaks from RVFV.
How similar studies have gone: Basic virology studies on other viruses have led to successful vaccines and antivirals, but the specific mechanisms of RNA packaging in RVFV remain less well understood and are a relatively novel target.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makino, Shinji — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Makino, Shinji
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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.