Investigating how viral infections in the brain can lead to seizures and epilepsy.
Official title: Javits Award Final Three Years
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11090489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viral infections can affect the brain and cause seizures or epilepsy, using a special mouse model to see how the immune system reacts and how brain activity changes over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R37NS065434-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of viral infections affecting the central nervous system and experiencing seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with seizures not related to viral infections or those with other neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the effects of viral infections on the central nervous system, particularly how they can trigger seizures and lead to chronic epilepsy. Using a specially developed mouse model, researchers will explore the role of specific immune responses and signaling pathways in the brain following infection. Advanced techniques such as 2-photon microscopy and chronic video-EEG monitoring will be employed to observe changes in brain activity and cellular responses over time. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind seizure generation and the development of epilepsy after viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from seizures and epilepsy caused by viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between viral infections and seizures, but this specific approach using advanced imaging techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilcox, Karen S — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Wilcox, Karen S
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.