Understanding how the Powassan virus affects the brain in older adults
Official title: Mechanisms of Age Dependent Powassan Virus Neurovirulence
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11000299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Powassan virus, which can cause serious brain problems, affects older adults differently than younger ones, using mice to help find ways to better protect and treat those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | December 12, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $743,011 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179817-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be at risk for Powassan virus infection due to tick exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or those who do not have a history of tick exposure 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 inflammation and damage, particularly in older adults. The study aims to uncover how the virus invades the central nervous system and the immune response it triggers, using mouse models to simulate the disease. By examining the differences in how the virus affects younger versus older mice, researchers hope to identify the mechanisms that lead to increased vulnerability in the elderly. The findings could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for Powassan virus infections, particularly in older patients who are more susceptible to severe outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While research on tick-borne viruses is ongoing, the specific mechanisms of Powassan virus neurovirulence in older adults are not well understood, making this a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
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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
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.