How low oxygen levels affect the body's defense against intestinal viruses
Official title: Influence of hypoxia on the antiviral functions of human intestinal epithelial cells
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11127903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen in the intestines affects the ability of gut cells to fight off nasty viruses like rotavirus and norovirus, and it aims to help us understand how to boost our body's defenses against these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $659,313 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI185510-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, especially children and immunocompromised patients, who are at risk of severe gastrointestinal infections caused by enteric viruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral gastrointestinal issues or those not affected by enteric viruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen levels in the intestines influence the ability of intestinal cells to fight off viral infections, particularly from harmful viruses like rotavirus and norovirus. By using advanced technologies such as human intestinal organoids and gut-on-a-chip models, the study aims to understand the relationship between oxygen levels and the immune response of intestinal epithelial cells. The findings could provide insights into how these viruses infect the gut and how to enhance the body's defenses against them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on hypoxia's impact on intestinal viral infections is novel, related research has shown that understanding the gut's immune response can lead to significant advancements in treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boulant, Steeve — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Boulant, Steeve
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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.