How temperature changes mosquito–virus interactions
Modeling the influence of temperature on the evolution of vector-virus interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · WADSWORTH CENTER · NIH-11285463
This work looks at how warmer temperatures change how mosquitoes and viruses like West Nile interact, which can affect people who live in or visit areas with mosquito-borne infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WADSWORTH CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MENANDS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you live where West Nile circulates, this project studies what warmer weather means for the chance of infection. The team combines laboratory experiments on Culex pipiens mosquitoes and different West Nile virus genotypes with mathematical models to see how temperature affects virus replication, evolution, and mosquito traits. Unlike older models that keep biology fixed, they let viral evolution and mosquito responses change over time and across temperature scenarios. All work is lab and computer based at the Wadsworth Center rather than a clinical trial in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in or traveling to regions where West Nile virus circulates, or anyone worried about mosquito-borne infection risk, are the most relevant population for the findings of this work.
Not a fit: People with health issues unrelated to mosquito exposure or those living in areas without mosquito-borne virus risk are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve forecasts and early warnings for West Nile outbreaks so public health officials can better target prevention and reduce infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows warmer temperatures can speed viral replication and raise transmission risk, but combining temperature-driven viral evolution and variable mosquito population responses in dynamic models is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
MENANDS, UNITED STATES
- WADSWORTH CENTER — MENANDS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CIOTA, ALEXANDER TIMOTHY — WADSWORTH CENTER
- Study coordinator: CIOTA, ALEXANDER TIMOTHY
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.