Exploring the human virome across different environments and time periods
Official title: VAST Center: Viromes Across Space(s) and Time
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10990424 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different viruses in our bodies, especially in the skin, to learn how they might affect our health, and you can help by sharing samples if you're interested!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,097,758 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089334-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990424 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals willing to provide biological samples and those interested in contributing to the understanding of viral influences on health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in participating in sample collection or those with conditions unrelated to viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the human virome, which includes the diverse viruses present in the human body. By utilizing advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing, the study aims to extract and analyze virome profiles from over 15,000 samples. The research will also investigate how these viruses are spatially localized in various tissues, particularly skin, to enhance our understanding of their roles in health and disease. Patients may contribute samples that help in mapping and characterizing these viral communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the role of viruses in human health, potentially improving disease prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While research on the human microbiome has shown significant success, the exploration of the human virome is still emerging, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Snyder, Michael P. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Snyder, Michael P.
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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.