Understanding how certain viruses infect brain cells

Mechanisms of Neuronal Infection by Prototype Emerging Bunyaviruses

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10900658

This study is looking at how certain viruses that can harm the brain infect nerve cells, aiming to find out which brain cells are affected and how this impacts brain health, with hopes of discovering better ways to prevent and treat these infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10900658 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific emerging bunyaviruses, which can cause serious brain diseases, infect neuronal cells. By comparing three significant bunyaviruses, the study aims to identify the key cells in the brain that are targeted by these viruses and understand the resulting effects on brain health. The research employs advanced biological models to analyze the interactions between the viruses and the brain's microenvironment, which could lead to new insights into preventing and treating these infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with infections caused by bunyaviruses or are at risk of such infections.

Not a fit: Patients with non-viral central nervous system disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating brain infections caused by bunyaviruses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral infections in the central nervous system, but this specific comparative approach to bunyaviruses is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bunyaviridae Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.