NK cells and calming lung inflammation in infants with RSV

NK cell inflammation resolution circuits in pediatric RSV infection

['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11241960

Looks at whether NK immune cells and natural 'pro-resolving' molecules help reduce dangerous lung inflammation in infants and young children with RSV.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11241960 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If my child is hospitalized with RSV, researchers will collect airway and blood samples to study immune cells called NK cells and natural pro-resolving fat molecules (SPMs). They'll compare these immune measurements between children who recover quickly and those with long-lasting, severe lung inflammation to see what is different. The team will combine tests on human samples with lab models to learn how impaired NK cell resolution may drive ongoing lung damage. The aim is to identify immune pathways that could become new treatments to prevent respiratory failure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Infants and young children diagnosed with RSV infection, especially those hospitalized for bronchiolitis or showing low oxygen levels, would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Healthy children, people without RSV, or those with unrelated lung conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that help NK cells or boost resolving molecules to shorten severe RSV inflammation and reduce respiratory failure in infants.

How similar studies have performed: Mouse studies from the team showed SPMs reduce RSV lung inflammation, but confirming this mechanism and benefit in human children remains new.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.