Understanding how viruses and their hosts interact at a molecular level
Official title: Functional Convergence at the Host-Virus Interface
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10937892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how viruses interact with the living things they infect, focusing on the proteins that help fight off these viruses, and it aims to find new ways to understand and combat viral infections by exploring how different species develop their defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,000 |
| NIH project number | 1K99GM155323-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with viral infections or those interested in the biological mechanisms of viral resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral related conditions or those not affected by infectious diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between viruses and the organisms they infect, focusing on the protein-protein interfaces that play a crucial role in these relationships. By studying how antiviral proteins evolve and function in various species, the research aims to uncover unique mechanisms of viral resistance that could inform our understanding of infectious diseases. The approach involves structural modeling to analyze the diversity of proteins in both hosts and viruses, particularly in less-studied species. This comparative analysis could reveal new insights into how different organisms combat viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating viral infections in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding host-virus interactions, but this approach focusing on diverse species is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boys, Ian — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Boys, Ian
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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.