Stony Brook University · Microbiology & ImmunologyPowassan Virus Neurobiology Lab
Erich R Mackow · Stony Brook, New York
Research Focus
Dr. Erich R Mackow's lab focuses on understanding how the Powassan virus (POWV), a tick-borne virus that can cause severe brain damage, infects the central nervous system, particularly in older individuals. The lab studies the differences in how the virus affects young versus aged mice and explores potential treatments to prevent serious neurological damage. By using advanced techniques like genetic engineering and single-cell RNA sequencing, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms of the virus's neurovirulence and develop strategies that could lead to vaccines or therapies for at-risk populations.
Powassan virusneurovirulenceCNS infectionagingimmunopathologytick-borne virusesvaccine developmentneuroinflammationcell senescence
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how Powassan virus enters the central nervous system in aged mice.
AIM 02Define the immune responses to Powassan virus infection in young versus aged mice.
AIM 03Analyze the role of cell senescence in the neurovirulence of Powassan virus.
AIM 04Develop and test an attenuated strain of Powassan virus for potential vaccine use.
AIM 05Identify cellular mechanisms that allow Powassan virus to cause brain damage.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell culturemouse modelssingle-cell RNA sequencingimmunohistochemistryflow cytometryvirus isolationgenetic engineeringanimal handling
Output against the department
Publications119bottom 45% of dept.266th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.9kbottom 49% of dept.249th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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