Understanding how rotavirus interacts with immune cells in the gut
Official title: Rotavirus interaction with gut intraepithelial lymphocytes
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10877934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny cells in the gut talk to immune cells when babies and young kids get sick from rotavirus, which causes diarrhea, to find out how their bodies fight the virus and explore new ways to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173601-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who are at risk of rotavirus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those not affected by rotavirus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between small bowel epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes during rotavirus infections, which are a leading cause of diarrhea in infants and young children. By studying how these immune cells respond to the virus, the research aims to uncover the signaling pathways involved in the immune response within the gastrointestinal tract. The team has developed innovative models, including a neonatal mouse model and organoid cultures, to better understand these interactions and test potential therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce diarrhea and its complications in young children infected with rotavirus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Siyuan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ding, Siyuan
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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.