Understanding how hepatitis E virus affects the nervous system
Official title: A gerbil model to delineate the mechanism of hepatitis E virus extrahepatic pathogenesis
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10983738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hepatitis E virus can cause problems in the brain, not just the liver, by using gerbils to see how the virus affects brain cells and causes inflammation, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who have HEV-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | November 9, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $388,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AI179614-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with hepatitis E and are experiencing neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hepatitis E or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes neurological issues beyond liver disease. Using a gerbil model, the study aims to explore how HEV infects cells in the brain and triggers inflammatory responses that may lead to neurological damage. The researchers will examine the role of specific immune responses and cellular processes involved in this extrahepatic pathogenesis. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for patients affected by HEV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neurological complications associated with hepatitis E virus infections.
How similar studies have gone: While hepatitis E is a well-known virus, the specific investigation into its neurological effects using this gerbil model is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied before.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meng, Xiang-Jin — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Meng, Xiang-Jin
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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.