Understanding and manipulating gut viruses to improve health
Official title: Engineering host-determinants of novel gut Microviruses
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11014472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny viruses in our gut can be used to help fight off bad bacteria, with the hope of finding new ways to improve gut health and prevent infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,698 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals suffering from recurrent bacterial infections or those with imbalances in their gut microbiome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections unrelated to gut health or those who do not have bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on novel gut microviruses, which are small viruses that play a significant role in the human gut microbiome. The project aims to manipulate these viruses to target specific bacteria, potentially helping to prevent bacterial infections. Researchers will identify natural hosts for these viruses and develop methods to engineer them for specific health outcomes. By understanding how these viruses interact with gut bacteria, the research seeks to create new therapeutic strategies for improving gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for bacterial infections by using engineered viruses to target harmful bacteria in the gut.
How similar studies have gone: While the manipulation of gut viruses is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in using engineered phages for targeting specific bacteria.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirchberger, Paul — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Kirchberger, Paul
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.