How early 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-11248927 · 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 lead to asthma as they grow up, using baby mice to learn more about how their immune systems react to the virus, with the hope of finding better ways to prevent and treat asthma in children.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $12,267 |
| NIH project number | 3K08AI182486-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11248927 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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who have not experienced HMPV infections 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 the development of 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 differences between neonatal and adult immune systems. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that link early viral infections to asthma, which could help in developing new prevention and treatment strategies for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing asthma in children who have experienced early viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early viral infections can influence asthma development, but this specific approach using a neonatal model is relatively novel.
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.