Understanding how motor neurons are damaged in a childhood illness similar to polio
Mechanisms of Motor Neuron Injury in Acute Flaccid Myelitis
This study is looking into how a virus called Enterovirus D68 can harm the nerve cells in children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, with the goal of finding ways to stop this damage and help develop better treatments for this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10874657 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind motor neuron injury in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a serious condition that primarily affects children and can lead to paralysis. The study focuses on the role of Enterovirus D68 (EV68) in causing motor neuron toxicity and aims to explore how this virus disrupts cellular processes. By using advanced co-culture systems that mimic the interaction between motor neurons and muscle fibers, the research seeks to identify early pathological changes and potential therapeutic targets to prevent neuron death. This work is crucial for developing effective treatments for AFM, which currently lacks targeted therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or who do not have a diagnosis of Acute Flaccid Myelitis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent paralysis in children affected by Acute Flaccid Myelitis.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of motor neuron injury in AFM are still being explored, similar approaches in studying viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases have shown promise in understanding and potentially treating related conditions.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elrick, Matthew J — Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
- Study coordinator: Elrick, Matthew J
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.