Understanding how Seoul orthohantavirus interacts with the immune system
Official title: Mapping the virus-host interactions that determine interferon resistance of Seoul orthohantavirus
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10895100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the Seoul orthohantavirus hides from the immune system in its rodent hosts, which could help us understand how to boost our own immune responses against similar viruses that can make people sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $237,136 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI175721-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with a history of hantavirus exposure or those living in areas where hantaviruses are prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of hantavirus infection or those with unrelated viral infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Seoul orthohantavirus evades the immune response in its natural rodent hosts. By examining the interactions between the virus and host cells, particularly endothelial cells, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that allow the virus to persist without causing disease. The approach involves analyzing immune signaling pathways and the production of interferon, a key component of the body's antiviral defense. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to enhance immune responses against similar viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for viral infections by enhancing the body's immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding viral immune evasion mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kell, Alison — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kell, Alison
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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.