How common cold viruses trigger early immune reactions in allergic asthma
Exploring innate immune responses to rhinovirus in allergic asthma
This project looks at the body's first immune response to rhinovirus (the common cold) in children and adults who have allergic asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11335753 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use data and biological samples from recent human rhinovirus infection work to study early innate immune signals in people with allergic asthma. They focus on rapid responses in the airway and blood that occur before symptoms peak, including type I and type III interferon activity. The work builds on prior lab and ex vivo findings while using in vivo experimental infection data to follow immune kinetics over time. Frequent early monitoring and analysis of existing samples will help clarify whether antiviral responses differ in allergic asthma and why exacerbations occur.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (0–11 years) and adults (21+ years) with allergic asthma who can provide airway or blood samples or who previously participated in related rhinovirus studies are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without allergic asthma (including non-allergic asthma) or those who cannot or will not provide airway/blood samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or lessen virus-triggered asthma attacks by targeting early immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and ex vivo studies have suggested impaired interferon responses in allergic asthma, but in vivo infection studies have produced mixed results, so this approach is partly novel and unresolved.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borish, Larry C — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Borish, Larry C
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 below.