Understanding how alphaviruses invade the brain
Official title: Unraveling alphavirus neuroinvasion: Molecular insights from a stem cell based blood-brain barrier model
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10903622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses, like chikungunya, can get into the brain and cause serious problems, and it's for anyone interested in finding new ways to prevent or treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,671 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI179235-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with alphaviruses and are experiencing neurological symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with alphaviruses or do not exhibit any neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain viruses, specifically alphaviruses like chikungunya, can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause serious neurological diseases. Using a model created from stem cells, researchers will explore the interactions between the virus and specific cells in the brain that protect it. By identifying the viral components that facilitate this invasion, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating infections that lead to brain inflammation and other complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for viral infections that affect the brain, potentially reducing the incidence of severe neurological diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using stem cell models to study viral interactions with the blood-brain barrier, indicating that this approach has potential for uncovering new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, Pablo — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, Pablo
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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.