Understanding how certain viruses infect brain cells
Official title: Mechanisms of Neuronal Infection by Prototype Emerging Bunyaviruses
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10900658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $757,645 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with infections caused by bunyaviruses or are at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral central nervous system disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartman, Amy L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hartman, Amy L
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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.