Investigating a new human virus linked to unexplained liver disease
Official title: A Novel Human Virus in Patients with Cryptogenic Liver Disease
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-10894627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a new virus that might be causing liver problems in people with unexplained liver diseases, like acute liver failure and cirrhosis, by testing blood samples from patients and healthy individuals to help improve diagnosis and treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175438-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with cryptogenic liver disease, particularly those experiencing acute liver failure or cirrhosis with unknown etiology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease that has a clearly established cause, such as viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients suffering from cryptogenic liver disease (CLD), which includes conditions like acute liver failure and cirrhosis with unknown causes. The team aims to identify a novel human virus, referred to as Seq260, that may be responsible for these unexplained cases. By analyzing blood samples from various patient groups, including those with liver failure and healthy donors, the researchers will employ advanced techniques to confirm the presence of this virus and understand its role in liver disease. This could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of a new viral cause of liver disease, improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with cryptogenic liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the identification of novel viruses in liver disease is a relatively new area of investigation, previous studies have shown promise in uncovering unknown viral agents linked to various diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Xiaofeng — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Fan, Xiaofeng
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.