How the nose's microbes affect protection against breathing viruses
Influence of the nasal microbiome on host susceptibility and response to respiratory viruses
This project looks at whether the mix of microbes in adults' noses changes local immune defenses and how that affects chances of getting common respiratory viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11386480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect nasal swabs and small mucus samples from adults over multiple visits to see which microbes live in the nose and how stable they are. Lab tests will measure local immune signals such as interferons, mucus properties, and markers of epithelial health. The team will compare these microbial and immune patterns to who later gets respiratory viral infections to see which nasal environments appear protective. Findings will come from combining sequencing of microbes with measurements of local immune activity and clinical follow-up.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (about 21 years and older) who can attend in-person visits in Washington, D.C., are not currently experiencing an active respiratory infection, and are willing to provide nasal samples and health information.
Not a fit: Children, people currently hospitalized or seeking immediate treatment for a respiratory illness, or those unable to come for in-person nasal sampling are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal natural nasal microbiome and immune patterns that help protect against colds and other respiratory viruses, guiding new prevention approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested links between upper-airway bacteria and virus risk, but combining detailed nasal microbiome profiles with local immune measurements is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Cindy — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Cindy
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.