Investigating how human rhinovirus infection affects susceptibility to COVID-19
Official title: Human rhinovirus infection and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10891725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why kids usually get milder COVID-19 symptoms than adults, and it’s especially interested in how infections from a common cold virus might help their immune systems fight off COVID-19 better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $224,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178568-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults who have experienced HRV infections and are at risk for COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had HRV infections or those who are not at risk for COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores why children often have milder COVID-19 symptoms compared to adults, focusing on the role of human rhinovirus (HRV) infections. The study will analyze real-world data to understand how HRV may influence the immune response to SARS-CoV-2, potentially reducing the severity of COVID-19. By examining the sequence of infections and clinical features in individuals, the research aims to provide insights into the protective effects of HRV against COVID-19. Participants will be monitored for their infection history and immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing severe COVID-19 infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested that HRV infections may provide some protective effects against other respiratory viruses, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howard, Leigh Meredith — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Howard, Leigh Meredith
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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.