How the body detects Rift Valley fever virus
Official title: Innate immune recognition and response to Rift Valley fever virus
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11140361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how cells in the body detect and fight Rift Valley fever virus in adults at risk of infection, to understand why some people get severe fever, liver damage, or brain inflammation.
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 start | August 25, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,773 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI171200-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in RVFV-affected regions or healthy adult blood donors may be eligible to provide blood or tissue samples for parts of this work.
✕Less likely to help
Children, people without exposure risk, or those expecting an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to directly benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
What this research studies
This project will examine how different human cell types, like blood immune cells, liver cells, and neurons, sense and respond when infected with Rift Valley fever virus. Researchers will use samples of human primary cells and lab tools that turn specific immune sensors on or off to see which defenses limit viral growth. They will also use animal models to test which sensors are most important for preventing severe disease and will study how infection of blood-forming (hematopoietic) cells affects illness. Together, these steps aim to link cell-specific immune responses to the kinds of disease seen in people with RVFV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost early antiviral defenses or guide development of targeted therapies or vaccines to prevent severe Rift Valley fever.
How similar studies have gone: Mapping innate immune sensors in human cells has helped clarify other viral infections, but applying these approaches specifically to Rift Valley fever virus is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcelroy, Anita K — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mcelroy, Anita K
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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.