Understanding how viruses and immune cells interact to affect infection outcomes
Official title: Bridging cell and organism scales to model viral, cell, and microenvironmental determinants of infection outcome
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11158298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses like Epstein-Barr and HIV interact with our immune system to see how these interactions might lead to autoimmune diseases or affect HIV reactivation, with the hope of finding better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $812,397 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AI191253-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of EBV infection or those living with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of viral infections or autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between viruses, immune cells, and their environment to better understand how infections progress. By using advanced modeling techniques, including agent-based models and deep learning, the project aims to analyze how specific immune responses, particularly in relation to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and HIV, can lead to autoimmune diseases or affect HIV reactivation. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the conditions that influence these infections and their potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for treating viral infections and preventing autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using modeling approaches to understand viral infections, suggesting that this methodology could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luftig, Micah a. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Luftig, Micah a.
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.