Understanding how viruses jump between different species
Official title: Unravelling the mechanisms of virus host species jump
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11117739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses, like the ones that cause COVID-19 and monkeypox, can jump from one animal species to another, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how we can better prevent future outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $228,435 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190589-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at risk of zoonotic diseases, particularly those in close contact with animals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of zoonotic diseases or do not have exposure to animal populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow viruses to cross from one species to another, which is crucial for understanding outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19 and monkeypox. By studying the evolution of the Myxoma virus, which has shown different effects on its natural and new hosts, researchers aim to uncover the genetic changes that facilitate these species jumps. The project will analyze viral genomes and their interactions with host species to identify key factors that contribute to viral spillovers. This knowledge could help in predicting and preventing future outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for preventing viral outbreaks that affect human health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral evolution and spillover events, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahman, Masmudur Mohammed — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Rahman, Masmudur Mohammed
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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.