Nasal microbiome and how it shapes defense against flu and its spread
Official title: Contributions of the Nasal Microbiome to Host Defense and Influenza Transmission - Project 2
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11451343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke-led project looks at how the nasal microbes influence how our bodies defend against influenza and how easily the virus spreads.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $626,156 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI202707-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for influenza, and those who have been exposed to infected individuals, may contribute samples or data.
✕Less likely to help
People without influenza exposure or without participation in nasal microbiome studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how communities of bacteria and other microbes in the nose and throat interact with our immune system to affect flu infection risk and transmission. By studying human samples from infected and non-infected individuals, researchers will map microbiome-host interactions that may change susceptibility and contagiousness. The work combines profiling of the nasal microbiome with immune system measurements to understand these relationships over time. The goal is to pinpoint microbial and immune factors that could be targeted to reduce flu risk and spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to strengthen mucosal defense against flu and limit transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show microbiome-immune interactions can influence infection susceptibility, but larger, more detailed studies are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moody, Michael Anthony — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Moody, Michael Anthony
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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.