How the GSDMB gene affects antiviral immune responses in the lungs
Molecular understanding of the GSDMB-regulated innate immune response
This project looks at how the GSDMB gene changes airway antiviral defenses and why children with certain 17q21 genetics often have virus-triggered asthma worsening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is studying how viral infections trigger interferon-driven defenses in the airway and how the GSDMB gene region on chromosome 17q21 changes that response. They will use laboratory models and genetic analyses to see how GSDMB can both fight viruses and, if uncontrolled, cause damaging inflammation that worsens asthma. The work links genetic findings seen in children with asthma to molecular immune pathways, and will compare responses that could come from human-derived cells or samples. Findings aim to explain why some kids get worse asthma after colds and to point to ways to calm harmful inflammation without losing antiviral protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be children with asthma, especially those who have had worsening after respiratory viral infections or who are known to carry 17q21/GSDMB risk variants.
Not a fit: People without asthma, those whose asthma is unrelated to viral triggers, or individuals without 17q21/GSDMB risk may not directly benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce virus-triggered asthma attacks in children with GSDMB-related risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and immune-signaling studies have linked 17q21/GSDMB to childhood asthma and antiviral responses, but translating those findings into treatments remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Anny Xiaobo — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Anny Xiaobo
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.