Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded $437,250 to the University of Pittsburgh for a two-year project (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028) to develop and refine a predictive computational model of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) replication dynamics within host cells. The project addresses a critical public health gap, as EEEV is among the most lethal alphaviruses with approximately 40% mortality rates in symptomatic cases and currently lacks approved antiviral treatments or vaccines. The research will integrate detailed molecular processes and host interferon (IFN) responses to model how EEEV evades the immune system's primary antiviral defense mechanism.

The deliverables include quantitative experimental data and model validation across two primary objectives. In Aim 1, researchers will use advanced experimental tools—including single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (SMFISH), ribosome profiling, digital droplet reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and reporter viruses—to empirically evaluate key model predictions regarding viral RNA synthesis, ribosome usage, and particle production. In Aim 2, the team will introduce interferon pretreatment to dissect the timing and mechanisms of antiviral restriction and calibrate the model accordingly. The primary product will be the first dynamic, quantitative model of interferon-mediated suppression of alphavirus replication, which will establish a foundation for rational therapeutic strategies targeting vulnerabilities in the viral life cycle.