Understanding how bats develop their immune system to fight viruses
Official title: BITE (Bat Immunology Training and Education) - an undergraduate experiential program for developing the next generation of One Health scientists
Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-10795398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bats' immune systems work, especially how they develop special cells that help fight off viruses, to learn more about their unique abilities to stay healthy, which could also help improve our understanding of human health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $470,518 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI180994-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in immunology, particularly those with a focus on viral infections and immune system function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in immunology or do not have a background in related fields may not find direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune system of bats, focusing on the development of T cells, which are crucial for fighting viral infections. The team will study both museum specimens and live bats to explore how T cells develop and function in these animals, particularly in response to highly pathogenic viruses. By using advanced imaging techniques and molecular methods, the research aims to uncover the unique aspects of bat immunology that allow them to resist severe diseases. This knowledge could lead to new insights into immune responses that could benefit human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding immune responses that may improve treatments for viral infections in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While research on bat immunology is limited, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding their unique immune responses, indicating potential for further discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White Iii, Richard Allen — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: White Iii, Richard Allen
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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.