How viruses invade the brain and ways to block it
Official title: Viral and host factors in neuroinvasion of encephalitis alphaviruses
Funded at University of Western Ontario · NIH-11401354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how certain brain-invading viruses interact with the body to enter and spread in the brain, with the goal of protecting people who might be exposed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Western Ontario NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (London, Canada) |
| Project start | July 5, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $521,574 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI160188-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or exposed to alphavirus infections and patients with suspected or confirmed central nervous system involvement.
✕Less likely to help
People not at risk for alphavirus infections or without CNS involvement may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how viruses like VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV cross into the brain after a bite or infection and how immune cells and brain cells respond. It examines the roles of different brain and immune system components, such as astrocytes and the blood-brain barrier, in shaping infection. The aim is to map the steps that lead to brain infection so future therapies can prevent or limit neurological damage. The work involves multiple researchers at the University of Western Ontario and uses models that mimic human disease to understand these host-virus interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide strategies to prevent brain infection and reduce severe outcomes from alphavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has identified key host and viral factors in neuroinvasion, supporting the plausibility of translating these findings into protective strategies.
Where this research is happening
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University of Western Ontario
London, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klein, Robyn S. — University of Western Ontario
- Study coordinator: Klein, Robyn S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How alphaviruses get into the brain
This project looks at how mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses enter and spread in the brain to help people affected by alphavirus infections.
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Investigating how viruses invade the brain and affect the immune response
This study is looking at how certain viruses can get into the brain and spread, and it aims to find out how these viruses manage to avoid the body's defenses, which could help us find better ways to prevent or treat these infections.
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.