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Nicholas Scott Heaton

Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
3136 MSRB III, Box 3054, Durham, NC 27710
3136 MSRB III, Box 3054, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Our research group is primarily interested in the study of respiratory RNA viruses.  We have published work on viruses of the families: orthomyxoviridae, paramyxoviridae, and coronaviridae.  The research in our laboratory is predominantly focused understanding the mechanisms of viral pathogenesis with the ultimate goal of developing new therapies that can be used to combat both current and future viral diseases.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2025 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor in Cell Biology · 2025 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Professor in Integrative Immunobiology · 2025 - Present Integrative Immunobiology, Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2017 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute · 2019 - Present Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published May 1, 2024
New Strategy Could Lead to Universal, Long-Lasting Flu Shot
Published November 10, 2022
Duke Researchers Developing Universal Flu Vaccine
Published May 25, 2021
School of Medicine Researchers Honored for Study of the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease

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Recent Publications


Presentation of hemagglutinin on adjuvant-bearing self-assembling peptide nanofibers increases heterologous responses against influenza.

Journal Article Acta Biomater · January 2026 Influenza presents a global threat representing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year worldwide, yet influenza vaccines currently do not offer full protection against infection and must be updated each year to account for antigenic drift. Subunit vacci ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Shigella flexneri effector IpaH1.4 facilitates RNF213 degradation and protects cytosolic bacteria against interferon-induced ubiquitylation.

Journal Article Elife · November 28, 2025 A central signal that marshals host defense against many infections is the lymphocyte-derived cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ). The IFNγ receptor is expressed on most human cells, and its activation leads to the expression of antimicrobial proteins that ex ... Full text Link to item Cite

Development of DNA and mRNA-LNP vaccines against an H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus.

Journal Article J Virol · August 19, 2025 UNLABELLED: Effective vaccines are an important public health tool which may be needed to combat the emerging, highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses currently circulating in cattle and poultry in the United States. While nucleic acid-based vaccine ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


ETS-family Transcription Factor Mediated Control of Pulmonary Inflammation Induced by Influenza Viruses

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2023 - 2028

Ferroptosis and Ferroptotic Stress in Maladaptive Renal Repair - R01

ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2023 - 2028

Control of virus induced type I interferon signaling during pregnancy

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


The University of Chicago · 2012 Ph.D.

External Links


Heaton Lab Website