Investigating how Oropouche virus changes affect its severity
Official title: The Relationship between reassortment and Oropouche virus pathogenicity
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11116055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the Oropouche virus, which can make people sick in Central and South America, to see how changes in the virus might affect how it behaves and interacts with our immune system, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat those who get infected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,873 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI190651-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in or traveling to areas where Oropouche virus is prevalent, particularly in Central and South America.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of Oropouche virus infection or those living outside endemic regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Oropouche virus, an emerging arbovirus that poses a significant health threat in Central and South America. The study aims to understand how genetic changes in the virus, specifically through a process called reassortment, can influence its ability to cause disease. By examining different virus variants in laboratory settings, researchers will assess how these changes affect the virus's behavior and its interaction with the immune system. This could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment options for those infected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of Oropouche virus infections, potentially resulting in better treatment and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on other arboviruses has shown that understanding genetic reassortment can lead to significant advancements in treatment and prevention, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tilston-Lunel, Natasha Louise — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Tilston-Lunel, Natasha Louise
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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.