How obesity affects the immune response to gut viruses
Official title: Immunometabolic regulation of enteric viral infection
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10901522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight affects the body's ability to fight off stomach viruses like norovirus, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how diet and weight can influence our immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,482 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI183832-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing obesity and related gastrointestinal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of diet-induced obesity on the immune response to gastrointestinal viruses, particularly norovirus. It aims to understand how obesity-related inflammation alters the body's ability to fight off these infections. By studying the immune responses in both animal models and human patients, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that may lead to increased susceptibility to viral infections in obese individuals. The findings could provide insights into how dietary factors influence viral immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating viral infections in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that obesity can significantly impact immune responses, suggesting that this study's approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Jasmine — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wright, Jasmine
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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.