Understanding how intestinal cells help rotavirus spread and cause illness
Official title: Elucidating the role of intestinal M cells in rotavirus enteric infection, systemic dissemination, and pathogenesis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11014954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of cell in the gut helps the rotavirus spread, which causes bad diarrhea in young kids, so that researchers can find better ways to prevent and treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,048 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI181285-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 5 who are experiencing rotavirus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those without rotavirus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specialized intestinal cells called M cells in the spread of rotavirus, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. The study aims to uncover how rotavirus bypasses the intestinal barrier and disseminates to other organs, potentially leading to serious health issues. By examining the interactions between the virus and M cells, researchers hope to identify the mechanisms of infection and systemic spread. This could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for rotavirus infections in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines or therapies that better protect children from rotavirus infections and their complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on similar viral infections has shown promise in understanding how viruses exploit intestinal cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Antia, Avan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Antia, Avan
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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.