Understanding how viral infections affect myelination in young brains
Official title: Rescuing myelination in viral infections of the juvenile brain
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-11043850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viral infections can affect the brain's ability to build protective coverings around nerve cells in young people, using young mice to see how certain brain cells respond during these infections, with the hope of finding ways to help repair any damage caused.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,057 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS141047-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have experienced viral infections affecting their central nervous system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those without a history of viral infections impacting the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of viral infections on myelination in the brains of young individuals, particularly focusing on how the immune response can lead to damage in the central nervous system. By using juvenile mouse models, the study aims to explore the behavior of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) during viral infections, which are crucial for myelin formation. The researchers will analyze how these cells respond to immune cell infiltration and the potential for restoring myelin in the developing brain. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to therapeutic strategies for preserving and repairing brain cells affected by viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help restore myelination and improve neurological outcomes for children affected by viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on demyelination in adults, this specific focus on juvenile responses to viral infections is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donnell, Lauren Alene — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: O'donnell, Lauren Alene
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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.