How viruses use immune peptides to improve their infection
Official title: Viruses Hijack Innate Immune Peptides to Enhance Infection
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10899264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses, like adenovirus and rotavirus, can dodge or use natural defenses in our bodies called defensins to help them infect us better, and it aims to find out which parts of these defensins are most important for fighting off these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI178920-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of infections caused by enteric viruses, such as adenoviruses and rotaviruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections that do not involve enteric viruses or those who do not have a compromised immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain viruses, particularly enteric viruses, can evade or utilize innate immune peptides called defensins to enhance their ability to infect. By examining the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this interaction, the study aims to identify the structural properties of defensins that are crucial for their effectiveness against various viruses. The research will involve testing a range of defensin peptides against human adenovirus, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus, as well as exploring how viral transmission affects defensin sensitivity. This comprehensive approach will deepen our understanding of how viruses adapt to overcome the body's immune defenses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating viral infections by enhancing the effectiveness of innate immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between pathogens and the immune system can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hulce, Kaitlin Rose — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Hulce, Kaitlin Rose
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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.