Understanding how Borna disease virus replicates in host cells
Official title: Structure and function of Borna disease virus polymerase
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10909022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Borna disease virus, which can cause serious brain problems in people and animals, makes copies of itself inside cells, and by understanding this process better, researchers hope to find new ways to treat the diseases it causes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,465 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176323-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with neurological conditions potentially linked to Borna disease virus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated neurological disorders or those not affected by viral infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique replication process of the Borna disease virus, which is known to cause severe neurological diseases in both animals and humans. The project focuses on the roles of specific proteins in the virus's ability to replicate within the nucleus of host cells, which is different from most similar viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers aim to uncover the structural and functional aspects of the virus's polymerase complex, which could lead to new therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the virus's mechanisms and potential treatments for related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies for treating Borna disease and similar viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Borna disease virus is less common, studies on similar RNA viruses have shown promising results in understanding their replication mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogino, Tomoaki — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Ogino, Tomoaki
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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.