Investigating how alphaviruses infect cells and finding ways to block this process
Official title: Structural and functional studies of alphavirus receptors
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11030794 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses spread through mosquito bites and affect our brain cells, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent these infections and create better treatments, especially as these viruses become more common due to climate change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 7, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $712,062 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182377-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030794 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in regions where alphavirus infections are prevalent, particularly those at risk of severe outcomes from these viruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for alphavirus infections or those who have already been infected may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how alphaviruses, which are transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe diseases like encephalitis, infect human cells. The team aims to identify the cellular receptors that these viruses bind to, which is crucial for developing effective antiviral therapies and vaccines. By studying specific proteins in the brain that interact with these viruses, the researchers hope to uncover new strategies to prevent infections and mitigate their effects. This work is particularly important given the rising incidence of alphavirus infections linked to climate change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective antiviral treatments and vaccines for alphavirus infections, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying viral receptors and developing antiviral strategies, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Jonathan — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Jonathan
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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.