Understanding how the microbiome affects COVID-19 susceptibility and symptoms
Official title: Host-microbe interactions and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and symptoms in a novel human challenge model
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10890852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our gut bacteria and genes might affect how likely we are to get COVID-19 and how sick we might get from it, by safely exposing healthy adults to the virus to learn more about these factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178060-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults aged 21 and older who have not been previously infected with or vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with a history of COVID-19 infection or vaccination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the microbiome and host genetics influence the susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. By using a human challenge model, researchers will expose healthy adults to the virus under controlled conditions to gather data on how different biological factors affect infection outcomes. The study aims to identify specific microbiome features and gene expression profiles that could inform future prevention strategies and treatments for COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19 by identifying key biological factors that influence infection severity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using human challenge models to study infectious diseases, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Matthew Scott — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Matthew Scott
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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.