Understanding how Ebola virus damages the intestines
Dissecting the mechanisms of intestinal epithelial injury by Ebola virus using iPSC-derived intestinal organoids
This study is looking at how the Ebola virus impacts the gut lining, which can cause serious stomach issues for patients, and it aims to create a model to better understand this damage so we can find new ways to treat Ebola.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10659217 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Ebola virus affects the human intestinal lining, which is crucial for understanding the severe gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by patients. By using advanced human intestinal organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the study aims to create a model that mimics the infection process. This approach will help identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to intestinal damage during Ebola virus infection, particularly focusing on how the virus disrupts the intestinal barrier. The findings could pave the way for developing new treatments for Ebola Virus Disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with the Ebola virus or are at risk of infection, particularly those experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to the Ebola virus or those with mild symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective therapies to treat severe gastrointestinal symptoms in Ebola patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on Ebola virus pathogenesis, this specific approach using human intestinal organoids is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mostoslavsky, Gustavo — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mostoslavsky, Gustavo
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.