Identifying host factors that help or hinder viral infections from worms to mammals
Official title: Identification of evolutionarily conserved pro-viral and anti-viral host factors from worms to mammals
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10989876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes in worms and mammals can affect how viruses behave, using a tiny worm called C. elegans to find out which genes help or hinder viral infections, with the hope that this could lead to new treatments for viral infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | November 17, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,253 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180837-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by viral infections, particularly those caused by viruses similar to the ones studied.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral infections or those not affected by viral diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain genes in both worms and mammals can influence viral infections. By using the simple model organism C. elegans, which shares many genes with humans, the study aims to identify host factors that either promote or inhibit viral replication. The researchers will utilize a specific virus that infects C. elegans to uncover these important genes, which could lead to new insights into viral infections in humans. The findings may help in developing new antiviral therapies by targeting these host factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies that improve treatment options for viral infections in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using the C. elegans model have shown success in identifying important genes related to viral infections, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, David — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wang, David
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.