Investigating how certain viruses from animals could potentially infect humans.
Official title: Arterivirus receptors: rules of engagement for cross-species infection
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10999402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain viruses that can make animals sick but don’t currently affect people, to see how they might enter human cells and what that could mean for our health in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,032 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180295-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with a strong interest in zoonotic diseases or those who may be at risk due to occupational exposure to animals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in animal-related occupations or who do not have a particular interest in zoonotic diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the zoonotic potential of arteriviruses, a family of RNA viruses that currently do not infect humans but can cause severe disease in other mammals. The team will explore how these viruses enter cells by studying a specific host molecule called CD163, which is essential for their entry. By creating various cell models from different species, including humans and animals, they will assess how susceptible these cells are to arterivirus infection. The goal is to identify key features of the virus and the host that could inform future medical countermeasures if these viruses were to emerge in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better preparedness and response strategies for potential zoonotic virus outbreaks in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of arteriviruses is relatively novel, previous research on other zoonotic viruses has shown success in understanding their transmission and potential impacts on human health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailey, Adam Lee — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Bailey, Adam Lee
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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.