Understanding how genes affect immune responses to infections in primates
Official title: Genomic basis of variation in the transcriptional response to pathogens among primates
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11055302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how genetic differences in primates affect their ability to fight off infections, helping us understand why some animals—and possibly people—get sick more easily than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $116,166 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HG013351-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a genetic predisposition to varying immune responses or those who have experienced recurrent infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable immune conditions or those not affected by infectious diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic differences among primates influence their immune responses to pathogens. By examining the interplay between genetic and environmental factors, the study aims to uncover the genomic mechanisms that determine how effectively an organism can respond to infections. The approach involves comparative studies of gene expression across different primate species to identify key genetic variants that affect immune function. This research could provide insights into why some individuals are more susceptible to diseases than others.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of immune responses, potentially informing better treatments and preventive measures for infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding gene-by-environment interactions in other species, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in primates as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vilgalys, Tauras P — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Vilgalys, Tauras P
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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.