Purpose
The ultimate goal is to lay the foundation for large-scale initiatives addressing infectious diseases through the lens of host-microbe ecosystems, supported by extramural funding and partnerships (e.g., NIH, industry). This seed grant theme builds upon the outcomes of the Host-Microbe Interactions in the Digestive Tract workshop and leverages Ohio State’s established strengths in microbiology, immunology, data science, and veterinary medicine.
Background and Theme Topics
The IDI Host Defense and Microbial Biology Thematic Program held the Host-Microbe Interactions in the Digestive Tract workshop in spring 2025. Workshop participants emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, institutional support for cross-disciplinary partnerships, and improved science communication to enhance public health relevance.
The IDI Host Defense and Microbial Biology Thematic Program welcomes proposals that address the critical gaps in current research models, particularly the limitations of murine systems, and highlight the translational potential of alternative and naturally occurring disease models. Additional proposal topics may include:
- The interplay between oral and gut microbiomes
- The bidirectional relationship between stress and immunity
- Systemic effects of microbial dysbiosis
- The need for high-resolution tools to characterize microbial function
- The importance of advanced technologies such as mass spectrometry, AI-driven data integration, and novel methods for detecting transient or intracellular microbes
- Development of a strain-level microbiome database
- Advancement of organoid and complex community models
- Investigation of the role of diet and socioeconomic status in infection outcomes
- Integration of high-resolution analytical tools and computational approaches
- Strategies for improving science communication and public health relevance
Guidelines and Application
All IDI Interdisciplinary Seed Grant Program guidelines and application processes apply.