Exploring the distribution and effects of viruses in human tissues
Whole Body Deep Tissue Characterization of the Human Virome
This study is looking at how different viruses are spread in the body, especially in people who have had sudden cardiac death or COVID-19, to learn more about how these viruses affect our immune system and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10987809 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how viruses, known as the virome, are distributed throughout various tissues in the human body. By utilizing extensive tissue samples collected from individuals who experienced sudden cardiac death and those with prior COVID-19, the study aims to understand how these viruses persist in different anatomical environments and how the body's immune response varies. The research employs a combination of postmortem tissue analysis and ongoing biopsy programs to gather comprehensive data on viral presence and immune reactions. This approach provides a unique opportunity to uncover mechanisms that may lead to immune dysregulation or inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old, particularly those who have experienced COVID-19 or sudden cardiac events.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or those without a history of COVID-19 or sudden cardiac death may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of viral persistence and its implications for immune health, potentially leading to improved treatments for viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in studying the human virome, but this specific approach focusing on deeper tissues is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henrich, Timothy Jensen — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Henrich, Timothy Jensen
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 below.