Understanding how astroviruses infect birds and animals
Official title: Mechanisms of astrovirus infection
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10919784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how human astroviruses make birds and animals sick, especially causing stomach and brain issues, and aims to find out which parts of the virus are involved in the infection so we can eventually create better treatments or ways to prevent these illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $365,357 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150638-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced gastroenteritis or encephalitis linked to astrovirus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other viruses or unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which astroviruses, particularly human astrovirus, infect birds and animals, leading to conditions like gastroenteritis and encephalitis. The study aims to identify the specific viral proteins involved in the infection process and how they interact with host cells. By utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR-based screens, researchers will explore the host factors that regulate astrovirus infection and the cellular changes that occur during the infection. This foundational knowledge could pave the way for developing targeted treatments or preventive measures against astrovirus-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for infections caused by astroviruses.
How similar studies have gone: While research on astroviruses is ongoing, this specific investigation into their infection mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lennemann, Nicholas J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lennemann, Nicholas J
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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.