Understanding the human virome's impact on health and disease
Official title: Human Virome Characterization Center for the Oral-Gut-Brain Axis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10990434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the viruses in our bodies and how they affect our health as we age, especially how they connect our mouth, gut, and brain, and it’s inviting people to help by sharing samples and information to make sure the results are useful and safe for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $285,172 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089335-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are healthy individuals aged 21 and older from diverse backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing severe health conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the human virome, which consists of all the viruses present in the human body, and its role in health and disease across different age groups. By studying diverse healthy human cohorts over time, the project aims to uncover how these viruses interact with our biological systems, particularly focusing on the oral-gut-brain axis. The research also emphasizes the ethical, legal, and social implications of virome research, ensuring that findings are trustworthy and beneficial to the public. Participants may be involved in providing samples and data that contribute to this comprehensive understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how the human virome affects overall health and disease prevention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the human microbiome, suggesting that similar approaches to studying the virome could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majumder, Mary a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Majumder, Mary 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.