Investigating how certain viruses affect the nervous system in children

Human 3D neuro-muscular assembloids to study cell tropism and host factor utilization of divergent neuropathogenic enteroviruses

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11044118

This study is looking at how certain viruses that can lead to serious nerve problems in kids interact with our cells, using special 3D models to find out how they get into the body, with the hope of discovering new treatments to help those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044118 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how non-polio enteroviruses, which can cause serious neurological conditions like acute flaccid myelitis, interact with human cells. By using advanced 3D models of human nerve and muscle cells, the researchers aim to identify the cellular components that these viruses exploit to cause disease. The study employs genome-scale screening to uncover how specific receptors and proteins facilitate viral entry and infection in the central nervous system. This approach seeks to provide insights that could lead to new treatments for enterovirus-related diseases in children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have been affected by enterovirus infections or are at risk for conditions like acute flaccid myelitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those without a history of enterovirus infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating severe neurological complications caused by enteroviruses in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding enterovirus infections using similar cellular models, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.