How early respiratory viral infections affect immune development in children
Early life respiratory viral infections shape immune development trajectories
This study is looking at how getting sick with respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu early in life affects how babies' immune systems grow, and it’s for parents of infants who have had these infections or are healthy, to help improve future vaccines and keep kids healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11065449 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how early life infections from respiratory viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, influence the immune system's development in infants. By comparing infants who have been infected with these viruses to healthy infants, the study aims to understand the unique immune responses elicited by these infections. Participants will be followed for three years to assess their immune responses, especially in relation to vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19. The goal is to uncover insights that could improve vaccination strategies and overall immune health in young children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include infants aged 0-11 years who have experienced respiratory viral infections or are healthy and have not been infected.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have not had any respiratory viral infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies and better health outcomes for infants and young children.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses to respiratory viruses, but this specific approach focusing on early life immunity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramilo, Octavio — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ramilo, Octavio
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.