Immune recognition and response in choanoflagellates, the closest relatives of animals
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11422432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how choanoflagellates, simple relatives of animals, detect and respond to bacteria to learn about the origins of animal immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $415,574 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM165755-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients in this basic science grant; findings may inform future translational work.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not the focus of this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project uses choanoflagellates as a model to understand how single-celled organisms recognize bacteria and activate defense responses. The work combines evolutionary comparisons with genetic tools in both bacteria and choanoflagellates to uncover the molecular signals involved. By tracing conserved immune genes and pathways, it aims to reveal ancient features of innate immunity that predate animals. The results could shed light on how complex immune systems evolved and why certain defenses are conserved across species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining fundamental insights into the roots of immunity could inform future research on human immune mechanisms and disease defense.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has established choanoflagellates as a viable model for studying immunity, with early findings suggesting conserved immune features.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woznica, Arielle — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Woznica, Arielle
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.