New antibodies to treat respiratory infections caused by parainfluenza and metapneumovirus.
Engineered “muco-trapping” antibodies for inhaled therapy of parainfluenza and human metapneumovirus infections
This study is looking at a new way to help babies, young kids, and people with weak immune systems by using special antibodies that can catch and trap viruses that cause respiratory infections, like parainfluenza and metapneumovirus, to help their bodies fight off the illness better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10914145 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing engineered antibodies that can trap viruses responsible for respiratory infections, specifically parainfluenza virus (PIV) and metapneumovirus (MPV). These viruses primarily affect infants, young children, and immunocompromised adults, and currently, there are no effective therapies or vaccines available. The approach involves delivering these antibodies directly to the airways, where they can intercept and trap the viruses in mucus, allowing the body to clear them more effectively. By enhancing the natural defenses of the respiratory system, this research aims to provide a new treatment option for those affected by these viral infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include infants and young children suffering from respiratory infections, as well as immunocompromised adults and the elderly.
Not a fit: Patients with respiratory infections caused by other viruses or those who do not have airway infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that significantly reduces the severity and duration of respiratory infections caused by PIV and MPV.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using engineered antibodies for respiratory infections is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in treating other viral infections, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Samuel — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lai, Samuel
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 below.