Understanding how the immune system affects the Powassan virus
Official title: Innate Immune Regulation of Powassan Virus Neurovirulence
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10784856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Powassan virus, which can cause serious brain problems and currently has no vaccine, interacts with the immune system, especially in different age groups, to find new ways to help treat people who get infected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $237,569 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI180288-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784856 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to Powassan virus or are at risk of infection due to tick bites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already developed severe neurological symptoms from Powassan virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Powassan virus, a tick-borne virus that can cause severe brain damage and has no approved vaccines. The study focuses on how the innate immune system regulates the virus's ability to invade the central nervous system and cause inflammation. By using mouse models, researchers will explore the differences in immune responses based on age and how certain viral proteins affect these responses. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to effective treatments for those affected by the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or preventive measures for Powassan virus infections, potentially reducing the risk of severe neurological damage.
How similar studies have gone: While research on tick-borne viruses is ongoing, the specific focus on Powassan virus and its interaction with the immune system is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mackow, Erich R — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Mackow, Erich R
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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.