Understanding how animal viruses can spread to humans
SIV zoonosis using humanized mice
This project uses special mice with human immune systems to understand how viruses like SIV, which are similar to HIV, might jump from animals to people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158732 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our goal is to learn more about how viruses found in animals, called SIVs, could potentially infect humans. We are using a unique animal model, called humanized mice, which have a transplanted human immune system, to observe how these viruses behave. By studying how SIVs might cross from animals to humans, we hope to better predict and prevent future outbreaks of new human diseases. This work helps us understand the origins of viruses like HIV-1 and HIV-2, which also came from animal viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: While this project does not involve direct patient participation, future clinical trials stemming from this foundational knowledge would be for individuals at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS or similar emerging viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the origins or prevention of viral zoonoses may not find direct benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us predict and prevent new human viral outbreaks, similar to HIV and SARS-CoV-2, by understanding how animal viruses can infect humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has successfully shown that humanized mice are susceptible to SIVs, including those that are progenitors of HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akkina, Ramesh — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Akkina, Ramesh
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 below.