How differences between individual cells shape viral infections

Harnessing cell-to-cell variability to understand viral infection outcomes

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11143067

This project looks at why some infected cells stop a virus while others produce many copies, using herpes virus models to help people with viral infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11143067 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be hearing about lab work that follows viruses inside single cells to see why outcomes differ from cell to cell. The team uses advanced single-cell methods and imaging with herpes simplex virus as a model to track viral gene activity and how many viral particles each cell makes. They aim to pinpoint host cell factors that cause an infection to abort or to create so-called “super producers.” Those findings could guide new ways to block viruses or design better antiviral drugs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This grant supports lab-based research using cell and virus models and does not enroll patients, so there is no patient recruitment for this project.

Not a fit: People expecting immediate new treatments or clinical trials would not benefit directly from this basic lab research in the short term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new host-based targets for antivirals and help design treatments that stop virus spread at the cellular level.

How similar studies have performed: Single-cell studies have shown that cells differ widely in infection outcomes, but identifying the exact molecular causes is a newer, less-tested direction.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.