Understanding how reovirus affects the brain and causes disease
Reovirus Neuropathogenesis
This study is looking at how a virus called reovirus spreads in the brain and causes inflammation, which could help us understand more about this virus and similar ones that affect the nervous system.
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 ID | NIH-10886681 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how reovirus, a virus that can cause brain inflammation, targets and spreads within the central nervous system. By studying the mechanisms of how this virus enters neurons and disseminates in the brain, researchers aim to fill critical knowledge gaps about viral encephalitis. The study employs advanced techniques to analyze the interactions between the virus and host cells, focusing on specific receptors that facilitate infection. This work could lead to insights that not only improve understanding of reovirus but also other neurotropic viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with viral encephalitis or are at risk of neurotropic viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients with non-viral causes of encephalitis or those who do not have neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for viral encephalitis and related neurological conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding viral mechanisms in similar contexts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dermody, Terence S. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dermody, Terence S.
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.