Investigating how immune cells help resolve inflammation in young children with RSV infection
Official title: NK cell inflammation resolution circuits in pediatric RSV infection
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10991840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells help fight off the inflammation caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children, with the goal of finding better ways to help kids who get really sick from this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,035 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171279-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children, particularly those under the age of 2, who are diagnosed with RSV and experiencing severe respiratory symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those without RSV infection are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of natural killer (NK) cells in the inflammation caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children. RSV is a leading cause of severe respiratory illness in infants, and some children experience prolonged lung inflammation that can lead to serious complications. The study aims to explore how NK cells, which are crucial for fighting viral infections and resolving inflammation, function in RSV-infected children. By examining the mechanisms of inflammation resolution and the impact of specialized molecules that promote healing, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving outcomes in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the body's ability to resolve inflammation in children suffering from RSV, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of NK cells and specialized pro-resolving mediators in other viral infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for RSV as well.
Where this research is happening
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duvall, Melody G. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Duvall, Melody G.
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.