Understanding how reovirus causes heart inflammation in children
Official title: Reovirus induction of host inflammatory responses
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10852931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus called reovirus can cause heart inflammation in kids and young adults, and it aims to understand how the virus affects the immune system and heart cells, which could help find better ways to prevent and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10852931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults who have been diagnosed with viral myocarditis or are at risk for this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have viral myocarditis or related heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which reovirus, a type of virus, leads to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, particularly in children and young adults. The study focuses on understanding how the virus interacts with the immune system and induces a specific type of cell death known as pyroptosis, which may worsen heart inflammation. By using animal models and primary heart cells, researchers aim to uncover the viral and host factors that contribute to this condition. The findings could provide insights into better prevention and treatment strategies for viral myocarditis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children suffering from viral myocarditis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral infections and their impact on heart health, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boehme, Karl W — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Boehme, Karl W
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.