Natural gut immune signal (IFN‑lambda) that helps protect against intestinal viruses
Innate immunity to enteric virus infection by IFN-lambda stimulated-gene expression
Researchers are looking at how a natural gut immune signal called IFN‑lambda helps protect the intestines from viruses like norovirus and rotavirus, which could help people at risk for severe gut infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142476 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses lab experiments and mouse models to find which immune cells in the intestine make IFN‑lambda and how bacterial signals trigger that production. The team also studies how IFN‑lambda switches on antiviral genes in intestinal lining cells before any virus shows up. By combining cell biology, microbial signals, and infection experiments, they test whether this preemptive response lowers gut virus replication and disease. The findings aim to explain a natural protective mechanism in the gut that might be harnessed to prevent or reduce viral gastroenteritis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or at higher risk for enteric viral infections (for example, infants, older adults, or immunocompromised patients) are the population most likely to benefit from the findings, though this grant is lab‑based rather than a patient enrollment trial.
Not a fit: Patients with non‑enteric infections or conditions unrelated to intestinal antiviral immunity are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could point to new ways to prevent or reduce the severity of norovirus, rotavirus, and other intestinal virus infections, especially in vulnerable people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including work by this team, have shown that IFN‑lambda protects intestinal epithelial cells and can limit rotavirus in mouse models, so this builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nice, Timothy J. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Nice, Timothy J.
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.