Tracking Viruses in 3D to Understand Infections
Official title: Unraveling the Viral Infection Pathway with Virus-locked Observation
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11120871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research uses a new 3D tracking method to watch how viruses infect cells deep within tissues, like those in the lungs or gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2017 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $386,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM124868-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This is fundamental laboratory research, so there are no direct patient participation opportunities at this time, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
We are developing a powerful new microscopy technique called 3D Tracking and Imaging (3D-TrIm) that lets us follow individual viruses in real-time. This method allows us to see how viruses move and interact with cells in complex environments, similar to how they behave inside the body. By looking beyond simple lab dishes, we can better understand the critical steps viruses take to infect tissues like the lining of your lungs or digestive system. This deeper understanding of viral behavior could help us find new ways to stop infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how viruses infect the body, which might help develop new ways to prevent or treat viral illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: While single virus tracking methods have provided insights, this specific 3D tracking and imaging technique is a novel approach designed to overcome limitations of previous methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welsher, Kevin — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Welsher, Kevin
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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.