How early life RSV infection affects lung health later in life
Official title: Long-term alteration of the airway epithelium after early life RSV infection
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11175776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serious RSV infections in young children might affect their lung health later in life, especially in relation to asthma, and it aims to understand how these infections change lung cells and contribute to allergies as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $565,834 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL167750-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children who have had severe RSV infections and are at risk for developing asthma or allergic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced RSV infections or those with pre-existing asthma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in early childhood can lead to long-term changes in lung health, particularly the development of asthma. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind these changes, specifically looking at how RSV alters lung epithelial cells through epigenetic modifications. By examining the role of certain cytokines that are elevated during RSV infections, the research aims to uncover how these changes may predispose individuals to allergic reactions and asthma as they grow older.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing asthma and allergic diseases in children who have experienced RSV infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that early life respiratory infections can lead to long-term respiratory issues, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fonseca Aguilar, Wendy — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fonseca Aguilar, Wendy
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.