Understanding spinal damage caused by EV-D68 virus in ferrets
Official title: Delineating the kinetics of spinal pathology in the EV-D68 infected ferret model
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11117815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Enterovirus D68 affects the spinal cord in kids who get a condition called Acute Flaccid Myelitis, using ferrets to learn more about how the virus causes damage and how we might improve treatments for affected children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $217,976 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190739-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are children who have been diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis or are at risk of EV-D68 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or do not have a history of EV-D68 infection or AFM may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) affects the spinal cord, particularly in children who develop Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Using an immunocompetent ferret model, the study aims to observe the progression of spinal damage over time and the role of specific spinal cells in this process. By closely monitoring the effects of the virus, researchers hope to gain insights that could lead to better understanding and treatment of AFM in children. The findings may help clarify the mechanisms behind the paralysis associated with this virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children affected by Acute Flaccid Myelitis.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on EV-D68 in other models, this specific approach using an immunocompetent ferret model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mattapallil, Joseph John — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Mattapallil, Joseph John
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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.