Investigating how co-infection with two respiratory viruses affects their replication and spread
Official title: HMPV/RSV co-infection: effects on replication and viral spread
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10906103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two viruses, RSV and HMPV, work together in the body and affect people, especially kids, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, to help us understand how they make respiratory illnesses worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178798-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pediatric, elderly, and immunocompromised patients who are experiencing respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with respiratory infections caused by other pathogens that do not involve RSV or HMPV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the co-infection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which are known to cause severe respiratory illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind how these two viruses interact within the body, particularly how they may compete for resources and influence each other's replication. By using advanced molecular techniques, the researchers will explore the formation of hybrid viral particles and the impact of co-infection on disease severity. This investigation could provide insights into the complexities of viral infections and their effects on patient health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for patients suffering from severe respiratory infections caused by these viruses.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored viral co-infections, this research aims to delve deeper into the specific interactions between RSV and HMPV, making it a novel investigation in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dutch, Rebecca E. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Dutch, Rebecca E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
East Palestine health impact study following train derailment
A community-engaged study in East Palestine will follow residents to understand health symptoms, exposure markers, and air quality after a major train derailment.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
Regulation of exon junction complex in cancer biology
This grant studies how a key molecular complex that controls RNA processing acts in cancer, with the aim of understanding how it contributes to cancer cell behavior.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
-
Kentucky workplace health surveillance program improving safety for workers
A national institute-funded program is supporting Kentucky to monitor and improve safety and health at work for better protection of workers.
-
Gabapentin use in older adults and related health outcomes
This project will look at how gabapentin is used by older adults and whether that use is linked to health outcomes using Medicare data.
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.