How airway cells' antiviral responses affect asthma attacks and airway changes

Dysregulated asthmatic epithelial interferon responses to viruses drive exacerbation, T2 inflammation, and airway remodeling

NIH-funded research Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11262938

Researchers are looking at whether differences in antiviral interferon responses in airway cells explain why children and adults with asthma get virus-triggered attacks.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSeattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11262938 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would learn how the cells that line the airways respond to common respiratory viruses and how those responses relate to asthma flare-ups and long-term airway changes. The team compares airway epithelial cell interferon signaling from people with different asthma types, exposes cells to viruses in the lab, and follows clinical information like lung function and exacerbation history. The work includes samples and data from children and adults who are prone to virus-triggered attacks and uses gene expression and immune markers to link cell behavior with real-world symptoms. Findings may point to markers that predict risk or targets for new treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children and adults with asthma, especially those who have frequent or virus-triggered exacerbations, are the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: People without asthma or those whose symptoms are unrelated to viral infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to tests or treatments that reduce virus-triggered asthma attacks and prevent airway damage.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported abnormal interferon responses in asthma but results are mixed, so this approach is promising but not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.