The role of immunological mechanisms in the development of neurological disorders induced by viral infection

Project title: UNIRI PROJECTS FOR MATERIALLY DEMANDING RESEARCH - The role of immunological mechanisms in the development of neurological disorders induced by viral infection

Funding source: University of Rijeka

Project code: uniri-mzi-25-57

Coordinator: Assoc. prof. Ilija Brizić, PhD

Research Team:

• • • Prof. Stipan Jonjić, MD, PhD
    • Prof. Astrid Krmpotić, MD, PhD
    • Mijo Golemac, MD
    • Fran Krstanović, PhD
    • Valentina Hribljan, PhD
    • Andrea Mihalić
    • Lucija Šakota

Total funding: 80.311,67 €

Project implementation period: 01.10.2025. - 30.09.2029.

Brief description: Congenital infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenital infection worldwide, affecting 0.5–1% of children and often leading to long-term neurodevelopmental disorders. The molecular mechanisms that cause damage to the central nervous system and subsequent neurodevelopmental impairments during infection are still not well understood. Infection of newborn mice with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) serves as a reliable model for studying HCMV infection in the brain. Using this model, we have demonstrated that activation of neonatal NK/ILC1 cells mediates immunopathology rather than controlling the infection, with IFN-γ secreted by these cells playing a key role in disrupting cerebellar development. This project aims to elucidate the mechanisms of neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by immune responses, with a focus on sex-specific differences in cytokine secretion, neuro-immune interactions, and the impact on the developing central nervous system.