How chronic viral infections affect immune responses to respiratory infections
Official title: Intersection of Severe Respiratory Infection and Viral Latency
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11113815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-lasting viral infections, like certain herpesviruses, might change how your immune system responds to new lung infections, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these viruses could help or hinder your body’s ability to fight off illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,062 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181923-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced severe respiratory infections or have chronic viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of viral infections or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of chronic viral infections, particularly gammaherpesviruses, in shaping the immune system's response to subsequent respiratory infections. It aims to understand how latent herpesviruses, which are commonly found in adults, may influence the body's ability to fight off new infections, especially in the lungs. The study will explore the mechanisms by which these latent infections affect immune responses and how the microbiota may play a role in this process. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to uncover potential protective effects of viral latency against secondary infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in patients with respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of viral latency in immune responses is an emerging field, there is limited prior research specifically addressing its impact on respiratory infections, making this study relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steed, Ashley — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Steed, Ashley
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.