How rotavirus spreads between cells and causes disease
Official title: Mechanisms of VP4 Promoting Rotavirus Cell-to-Cell Transmission and Viral Pathogenesis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11038814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the rotavirus spreads between cells in the body, especially focusing on a special protein that helps it move, and it aims to find better ways to treat and prevent rotavirus infections in kids and older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $668,488 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI188179-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old and elderly individuals who are at higher risk for severe rotavirus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by rotavirus or those with other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how rotavirus, a virus that causes severe diarrhea in children and the elderly, spreads from infected cells to healthy cells. It focuses on the role of a specific protein, VP4, and its interaction with the actin-related protein complex in facilitating this cell-to-cell transmission. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind rotavirus infection and its impact on intestinal cells. The findings could lead to improved treatments and vaccines for rotavirus infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and antiviral therapies for rotavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding viral mechanisms can lead to breakthroughs in treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Siyuan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ding, Siyuan
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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.