Understanding how brain immune cells contribute to Zika virus infection
Role of microglia in neural infection
This study is looking at how a brain cell called microglia helps the Zika virus spread, especially in babies who might be affected by Zika-related brain issues, and it’s exploring how a specific protein might change this process to find ways to protect developing brains from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10996180 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the brain's primary immune cells, in the spread of the Zika virus, particularly in relation to congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS) which can cause brain anomalies and microcephaly in infants. The study aims to explore how a specific protein, Peli1, influences the ability of these immune cells to facilitate the virus's entry into the fetal brain and how this affects normal brain development. By using both animal models and human cell cultures, researchers will analyze the molecular and cellular changes that occur during infection. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating Zika-related brain damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who may be at risk of Zika virus infection or have been diagnosed with Zika virus during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to the Zika virus are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating brain damage caused by Zika virus infection in infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response in viral infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Ping — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Wu, Ping
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.