Investigating how inner ear infections affect hearing and immune response
Official title: Inner ear infection and innate immunity
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10847147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how infections from cytomegalovirus (CMV) can affect the inner ear in newborns, especially how the protective barrier there can break down and lead to hearing loss, with hopes of finding better ways to help babies who are impacted by this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $623,777 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021649-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10847147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with cytomegalovirus infection or those at risk of hearing loss due to this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by cytomegalovirus or do not have hearing loss related to this infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections on the inner ear, particularly in newborns. It examines how the blood-labyrinth barrier, which protects the inner ear, becomes compromised during infection, allowing immune cells to enter and potentially cause damage. By studying the development of this barrier in animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind hearing loss associated with CMV. The findings could lead to better strategies for preventing or treating hearing loss in infants affected by this virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for hearing loss in infants born with cytomegalovirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response in similar contexts can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirose, Keiko — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hirose, Keiko
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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.