Exploring antiviral systems in microbial eukaryotes like amoebas
Official title: Antiviral Discovery in Microbial Eukaryotes
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10947358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny organisms called amoebas fight off viruses, hoping to discover new ways to use their defenses to improve medicine and technology for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $477,226 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI184554-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases or viral infections that may benefit from novel antiviral strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to viral infections or autoimmune responses may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how microbial eukaryotes, particularly amoebas, defend against viral infections. By examining the antiviral systems these organisms use, the project aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to advancements in biotechnology and medicine. The approach involves identifying and characterizing the unique antiviral responses of these eukaryotes, which are less understood compared to those in humans and other organisms. This could provide insights into how these systems can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antiviral therapies that improve treatment options for viral infections and autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While research on antiviral systems in prokaryotes has shown success, the exploration of these systems in microbial eukaryotes is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jordan, Tristan Xavier — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Jordan, Tristan Xavier
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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.