Understanding how the immune system responds to West Nile virus infections in the brain
Official title: Innate Immune Mechanisms Controlling Flavivirus Neurovirulence
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10912981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system fights off West Nile virus and how the virus can affect the brain, with the hope of finding out which immune cells are important for protecting brain health and how they impact thinking and movement over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $790,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI183793-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced severe symptoms from West Nile virus, particularly those with neurological complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with West Nile virus or those with mild symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune mechanisms that control the severity of West Nile virus (WNV) infections, particularly focusing on how the virus affects the central nervous system (CNS). By using advanced mouse models and innovative techniques like single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, the researchers aim to uncover the factors that influence the immune response to WNV and its long-term effects on brain health. The goal is to identify the cells involved in the immune response and how they contribute to both the immediate and lasting impacts of the virus on cognitive and motor functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from the neurological effects of West Nile virus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gale, Michael — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gale, Michael
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.