Understanding the viruses that live in and on the human body
Official title: A consortium facilitation, coordination, and data management center for the HVP
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10992725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The Human Virome Project is looking into the different viruses living in our bodies to understand how they affect our health, and this research could help patients learn more about how these viruses might play a role in diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,000,337 |
| NIH project number | 1U24HL175772-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals interested in the role of viruses in health and disease, particularly those with conditions related to the microbiome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in microbiome research or do not have conditions potentially influenced by viral communities may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The Human Virome Project (HVP) aims to explore and characterize the diverse communities of viruses, including bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses, that inhabit the human body. This research will utilize a combination of experimental techniques, computational analyses, and data management to fill the gaps in our understanding of the virome's role in human health. By establishing a collaborative center, the project will facilitate data sharing and coordination among researchers, enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of the research efforts. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these viral communities interact with human health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how viruses influence human health, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on the human microbiome has shown success in understanding bacterial communities, suggesting that exploring the virome could yield valuable insights as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Owen R — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: White, Owen R
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.