Understanding how viruses in the mouth, lungs, and gut change over time and affect health
Official title: The Oro-Respiratory-Gut Virome Axis Over Space and Time
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10990011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different viruses in our bodies, especially in places like our mouth, lungs, and gut, to see how they change as we age and how they might affect our health, and it’s for anyone interested in how these tiny viruses could play a role in keeping us healthy or making us sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $4,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089323-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include generally healthy individuals of all ages, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, including African Americans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute illnesses or those who are not generally healthy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the human virome, which consists of the vast array of viruses present in the body, particularly in the mouth, lungs, and gut. By analyzing samples from healthy individuals across different ages, the study aims to characterize the composition and dynamics of the virome over time. The research will utilize existing biobanked samples and will focus on understanding how these viral communities influence health and disease. Participants will help provide insights that could lead to better health outcomes by improving our understanding of the virome's role in human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health strategies and interventions based on a better understanding of how viruses affect human health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome and virome, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collman, Ronald G — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Collman, Ronald G
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.