Exploring how trained immunity can prevent viral infections that cause heart and pancreas issues
Official title: Trained immunity in the prevention of viral myocarditis and pancreatitis
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-10515667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a special treatment can help boost the immune system to better fight off viral infections, like those caused by Coxsackieviruses, which can lead to heart and pancreas issues, and it's aimed at finding ways to protect people from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $180,736 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166773-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10515667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for viral myocarditis or pancreatitis, particularly those with a history of enteroviral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for viral infections or those with existing severe heart or pancreatic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of trained immunity to protect against viral infections, specifically those caused by Coxsackieviruses, which can lead to myocarditis and pancreatitis. The team has observed that animals immunized with a specific adjuvant, complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), showed complete protection from these viral diseases. The study aims to understand how CFA primes immune cells, particularly macrophages, to enhance the body's antiviral responses. By characterizing these immune responses and the underlying mechanisms, the research seeks to identify effective strategies for preventing enteroviral infections in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies against viral myocarditis and pancreatitis, potentially reducing the incidence of these serious conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using trained immunity to enhance vaccine responses, suggesting that this approach may be viable for preventing viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddy, Jay — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Reddy, Jay
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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.