Understanding how Rift Valley fever virus affects the brain
Official title: Neuropathogenesis of Rift Valley fever virus
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10912968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Rift Valley fever virus spreads from a mosquito bite to the brain, which can cause serious problems like inflammation, and it's designed to help find better ways to treat or prevent these issues for people affected by the virus.
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 start | August 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $583,047 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI183792-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to the Rift Valley fever virus, particularly those in regions where the virus is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of RVFV infection or those with pre-existing CNS conditions unrelated to RVFV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) spreads from the site of a mosquito bite to the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to serious health issues like encephalitis. By using innovative rodent models that simulate infection, the researchers will explore the mechanisms of RVFV entry into the CNS, including how it interacts with blood-brain barrier cells and immune responses. The study employs both laboratory experiments and animal models to gather crucial data that could inform future treatments or preventive measures for RVFV-related CNS diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective vaccines or therapies for Rift Valley fever virus infections, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on other neurotropic viruses has shown success in understanding their mechanisms of CNS entry, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for RVFV as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcelroy, Anita K — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mcelroy, Anita K
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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.