Understanding how viruses cause heart inflammation differently in men and women
Official title: Role of mitochondrial extracellular vesicles in CVB3 myocarditis by sex
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11126669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how viruses like coxsackievirus B3 lead to heart inflammation, called myocarditis, and why it affects men more severely than women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,646 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164520-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with myocarditis, especially those caused by viral infections like coxsackievirus B3, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this basic understanding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose myocarditis is not caused by viral infections or related mechanisms may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Myocarditis, or heart inflammation, affects millions and can lead to serious heart failure, sometimes requiring a heart transplant. Viruses, including coxsackievirus B3, are a common cause, but we don't fully understand why they target the heart or how a mild infection can cause such severe heart damage. This project looks at how viruses use tiny packages called mitochondrial extracellular vesicles to spread and replicate within heart cells. By understanding these processes, especially the differences between sexes, we hope to find new ways to protect the heart.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments specifically designed to reduce heart inflammation caused by viruses, potentially preventing heart failure and the need for transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that other viruses causing myocarditis also use mitochondria for replication, suggesting this approach has a strong scientific basis.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fairweather, Delisa — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Fairweather, Delisa
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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.