Unraveling how Zika virus affects the heart in young patients (mouse models and beyond)
Official title: Unveiling Mechanisms of ZIKV-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in a mouse model
Funded at Howard University · NIH-11412525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant investigates how Zika virus can cause heart problems, using both animals and human tissue to understand why some infections lead to heart damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI189452-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children and young adults with or at risk of ZIKV infection-related heart issues, or samples from affected patients suitable for study.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without ZIKV exposure or cardiac involvement may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
The project uses animal and human-relevant models to study ZIKV-related heart disease and aims to map how viral replication, inflammation, and loss of cardiac proteins contribute to dysfunction. Researchers will combine in vitro (cell-based) and in vivo (neonatal mouse) studies to explore mechanisms and identify potential therapy targets. The goal is to pave the way for interventions that could protect children's hearts during or after Zika infection. By focusing on the heart specifically, this work seeks to translate findings into strategies that could reduce mortality and long-term complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that protect the heart in Zika infections, especially in newborns and infants.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have shown ZIKV can harm heart tissue; this project extends those findings toward human relevance and potential therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Qiyi — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Qiyi
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.