Understanding how viruses interact with our cells to cause illness
Overcoming host Genetic Redundancy and Pathogen Subversion to Define new host-viral Interfaces
This work explores how viruses take over our cells and how our bodies fight back, aiming to uncover new ways to combat infectious diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109605 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Viruses are clever at hijacking our cells, while our bodies have developed complex ways to defend themselves. This project uses a new genetic screening method to find hidden antiviral genes in our cells that protect against infections. By comparing how strong and weaker versions of viruses interact with these genes, we can learn more about how viruses evade our immune system. This helps us understand the ancient battle between hosts and pathogens, revealing new areas of biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with various infectious diseases, including those caused by viruses like influenza, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational understanding.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this basic laboratory research, as it focuses on fundamental biological discovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the discovery of new targets for antiviral medications and better strategies to treat infectious diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific genetic screening platform is new, other studies have successfully identified host-pathogen interactions that have led to new therapeutic insights.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orchard, Robert C. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Orchard, Robert C.
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 below.