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Nicholas Scott Heaton

Associate 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


Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2022 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Integrative Immunobiology · 2024 - 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


The coronavirus nsp14 exoribonuclease interface with the cofactor nsp10 is essential for efficient virus replication and enzymatic activity.

Journal Article J Virol · February 25, 2025 Coronaviruses (CoVs) encode non-structural proteins (nsp's) 1-16, which assemble to form replication-transcription complexes that function in viral RNA synthesis. All CoVs encode a proofreading 3'-5' exoribonuclease in non-structural protein 14 (nsp14-ExoN ... Full text Link to item Cite

Influenza B virus infection alters the regenerative potential of murine alveolar type 2 pneumocytes.

Journal Article mBio · February 5, 2025 UNLABELLED: Respiratory epithelial cells can survive direct infection by influenza viruses, and the long-term consequences of that infection have been characterized in a subset of proximal airway cell types. The impact on the cells that survive viral infec ... Full text Link to item Cite

Administration of antigenically distinct influenza viral particle combinations as an influenza vaccine strategy.

Journal Article PLoS Pathog · January 2025 One approach for developing a more universal influenza vaccine is to elicit strong immune responses against canonically immunosubdominant epitopes in the surface exposed viral glycoproteins. While standard vaccines typically induce responses directed prima ... 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