Understanding how viruses interact with epithelial cells
Official title: Dissecting host-virus interactions in epithelial cells
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10818192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny worms respond to viruses to help us understand how our own immune cells recognize and fight off infections, which could lead to better ways to boost our immune system against viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,695 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI176729-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with viral infections or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral related conditions or those not affected by epithelial cell dysfunction may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between viruses and epithelial cells, which are crucial for immune defense. By using a model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern how these cells recognize and respond to viral infections. The research focuses on the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR) activated by the Orsay virus, providing insights into the immune signaling pathways that could be relevant to human health. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of viral infections in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using model organisms to study host-pathogen interactions, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Batachari, Lakshmi Elaine — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Batachari, Lakshmi Elaine
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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.