This Project Grant award from the National Eye Institute (CFDA 93.867 - Vision Research) provides $121,090 to Wayne State University to investigate the mechanisms by which Zika virus infection compromises the blood-retinal barrier, leading to ocular complications. The research aims to elucidate the roles of the angiopoietin/Tie2, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and AMPK signaling pathways in regulating blood-retinal barrier integrity during Zika virus infection. It will utilize mouse models with retinal pigment epithelium-specific knockouts to study the effects on Zika-induced chorioretinal atrophy. The findings are expected to provide crucial insights into the pathobiology of ocular Zika infection and the feasibility of mitigating tissue damage by restoring barrier integrity. The award period runs from Sep 2024 to Aug 2026.