How early life viral infections affect asthma development in children
Official title: Altered CD4+ T cell responses and resultant asthma following neonatal human metapneumovirus infection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10865569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how infections from a virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in babies and young kids might increase their chances of developing asthma later on, using baby mice to learn more about how their immune systems react to the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,756 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AI182486-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are neonates and young children who have been diagnosed with human metapneumovirus infections or bronchiolitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those without a history of respiratory infections related to human metapneumovirus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in neonates and young children, particularly how these infections may lead to asthma later in life. By using a neonatal mouse model, the study examines the immune responses of CD4+ T cells following HMPV infection, focusing on the differentiation of these cells into Th2 cells, which are linked to asthma. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind the increased risk of asthma in children who have had HMPV bronchiolitis, which could inform future treatments and prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for asthma in children who have experienced early life respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life viral infections can influence immune responses and asthma development, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eddens, Taylor John — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Eddens, Taylor John
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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.