Understanding how viruses spread between different animal species

Natural model for evaluating within- and cross-species virus transmission

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10876401

This study is looking at how viruses, like the one that caused COVID-19, spread between different types of rodents, which could help us understand how to stop these viruses from jumping to humans.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10876401 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how viruses, particularly those similar to the 2019 novel coronavirus, are transmitted between different rodent species. By using a model that exposes natural rodent pathogens from pet store mice to laboratory mice, rats, hamsters, and deer mice, the study aims to observe real-time virus transmission dynamics. The researchers will explore factors such as the duration of exposure and the immune response that influence how viruses evolve and spread. This work could provide insights into preventing cross-species transmission of viruses that may affect humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals concerned about zoonotic diseases, particularly those related to coronaviruses.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for zoonotic infections or those with no interest in viral transmission dynamics may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for preventing viral outbreaks in humans by understanding how viruses jump between species.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding virus transmission dynamics using animal models, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.