How the Lrp1 receptor lets several mosquito- and tick-borne viruses enter human cells
Characterizing the role of LDL related receptor 1 (Lrp1) as host entry factor for multiple bunyaviruses
This work looks at whether the Lrp1 receptor on human cells lets multiple bunyaviruses get into and cause infection in people.
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 ID | NIH-11311853 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how the cell surface protein Lrp1 interacts with several bunyaviruses (including Rift Valley fever, Oropouche, and La Crosse viruses) to allow viral entry. They will use laboratory experiments in cultured cells and animal models to track viral binding, entry, and spread when Lrp1 is present or blocked. The team will test whether interfering with Lrp1 prevents infection and study similarities and differences across different bunyaviruses. Findings may guide development of therapies that block virus entry or inform future clinical work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Currently the project is lab-focused, but future human involvement could include people exposed to or infected by Rift Valley fever, Oropouche, or La Crosse viruses or those living in regions where these viruses circulate.
Not a fit: People with medical conditions unrelated to mosquito- or tick-borne bunyavirus infections are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or treat infections by blocking how these viruses enter cells.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior work has linked Lrp1 or related receptors to viral entry for certain viruses, but applying this receptor-focused approach across multiple bunyaviruses is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amarasinghe, Gaya K. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Amarasinghe, Gaya K.
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.