Investigating how tiny vesicles in the immune system respond to respiratory viruses in young children
Official title: Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) Innate Immune Cargo in Respiratory Viral Infections
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11120845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles released from cells in the lungs to see how they help young children fight off respiratory viruses, like RSV, with the goal of finding better ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176085-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of five who are experiencing respiratory viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of five or those without respiratory viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the immune response to respiratory viral infections, particularly in children under five years old. The study aims to isolate and characterize these vesicles from airway epithelial cells to determine how they contribute to antiviral immunity. By examining the types of interferons present in EVs from infected individuals, researchers hope to uncover new insights into the immune system's development and response to infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This could lead to better understanding and potential therapies for severe respiratory illnesses in young children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies or vaccines to protect young children from severe respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of extracellular vesicles in immune responses, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garofalo, Roberto P — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Garofalo, Roberto P
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.