Understanding how the immune system responds to a common brain virus
Official title: Dissecting Neuroglial Innate Immunity in vivo against Polyomavirus CNS Infection
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11164928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the immune system, especially certain brain cells, reacts to the JC Polyomavirus, which can cause serious brain issues in people with weakened immune systems, using mice to find ways to better prevent or treat these problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,908 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS139582-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who are at risk for infections like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems and no history of viral infections affecting the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system, specifically neuroglial cells, responds to infections caused by the JC Polyomavirus, which can lead to serious brain diseases in immunocompromised individuals. The study uses a mouse model to explore the mechanisms of viral infection and the role of specific proteins that help the body fight off the virus. By examining how these immune responses work in vivo, the research aims to uncover new insights into preventing or treating brain damage caused by this virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from brain infections and related neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses to viral infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaheen, Shareef — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shaheen, Shareef
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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.