New NIH Grant: Human astrovirus interactions with the intestinal epithelial barrier — $187K at Unknown Institution
WHY IT MATTERS
Understanding how astrovirus damages the intestinal barrier could lead to new treatments for severe diarrhea and intestinal infections, particularly in young children, elderly people, and immunocompromised patients who are most vulnerable to this virus.
Scientists are studying how a virus called human astrovirus damages the intestines and causes diarrhea. The research focuses on understanding how the virus breaks down the protective barrier that lines the stomach and intestines, which normally keeps harmful germs out while letting nutrients in. This $187,000 grant will help researchers figure out exactly how this virus causes intestinal damage.
Project: Human astrovirus interactions with the intestinal epithelial barrier PI: WOBUS, CHRISTIANE Institution: Unknown Institution Funding: $187K Start Date: 2026-05-06 Abstract: Summary The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the largest mucosal surface in the body. A single cell layer thick intestinal epi- thelium separates the host interior from luminal pathogens while at the same time a series of intercellular junc- tions, including tight junctions, allow for selective movement of nutrients, ions, and water. Maintenance of this barrier is critical for a healthy intestine and its disruption leads to diseases such as diarrhea, a common outcome of enteric viral infections. Notably, the GI tract is not uniform; it exhibits distinct anatomical and functional prop- erties bet