Inhaled antibodies that trap and clear parainfluenza and metapneumovirus from the lungs
Engineered “muco-trapping” antibodies for inhaled therapy of parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus infections
An inhaled antibody treatment designed to stick viruses in airway mucus and help clear parainfluenza and metapneumovirus infections in infants, young children, and vulnerable adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144261 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing inhaled antibodies engineered to bind both virus particles and airway mucus so shed viruses become trapped and cannot spread. The team will optimize these “muco‑trapping” antibodies in the laboratory and in preclinical models, focusing on delivery to the airway surface. Trapped viruses would be removed naturally by mucociliary clearance rather than relying on systemic drugs. The work aims to create a localized inhaled therapy to reduce viral spread and lung damage in infants, immunocompromised patients, and older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be infants or young children and immunocompromised or older adults who have parainfluenza or metapneumovirus infection or are at high risk for severe airway disease.
Not a fit: People without airway‑limited infections, those whose infection has become systemic or who are on full mechanical ventilation, or patients with severely impaired mucus clearance may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shorten or prevent serious airway infections and reduce hospitalizations for infants, immunocompromised adults, and older adults.
How similar studies have performed: The muco‑trapping concept is novel but builds on existing antibody therapies and mucus biology, with encouraging lab and preclinical results yet limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Samuel — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lai, Samuel
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.