Investigating how bat-derived viruses affect human health
Official title: Understanding the Tropism and Pathogenesis of Pararubulaviruses
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11040635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses from bats can affect human cells, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these viruses work and how we might protect ourselves from them in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | November 20, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $805,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI188431-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may be at risk of exposure to pararubulaviruses, particularly those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of exposure to these specific bat-derived viruses or who do not have any related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interaction between emerging bat-derived viruses, known as pararubulaviruses, and human cells. The team will use advanced techniques, including organ explant models and molecular biology tools, to explore how these viruses enter human cells and the pathways they use to cause disease. By developing a pathogenic animal model that mimics human disease, the researchers aim to uncover critical information that could lead to effective medical countermeasures against these viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective treatments or vaccines for diseases caused by pararubulaviruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral pathogenesis through similar innovative approaches, indicating potential for impactful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Benhur — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Lee, Benhur
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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.