Understanding how viruses and bacteria interact with humans during health disruptions
Official title: Functional characterization of viral-bacterial-human interactions during antimicrobial and inflammatory perturbations across different lifespans
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10987988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses and bacteria in our gut interact and how things like antibiotics and inflammation can change those relationships, using a large number of stool samples to help us understand how these changes affect our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,035,406 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AT012998-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987988 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who have experienced antibiotic treatment or inflammatory conditions affecting their gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone antibiotic treatment or do not have any inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between viruses, bacteria, and human health, particularly focusing on how these relationships are affected by antibiotics and inflammation. By analyzing over 70,000 stool samples from diverse patient cohorts, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that govern the resilience of the gut microbiome during various health challenges. The research will explore how changes in viral communities can influence bacterial populations and human health outcomes, providing insights into the gut's role in overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing gut health and mitigating the negative effects of antibiotics and inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dantas, Gautam — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dantas, Gautam
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.