Understanding how certain immune cells affect hearing loss caused by a virus.
Official title: The role of resident tissue macrophages in cytomegalovirus-associated sensorineural hearing loss
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10930030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the inner ear help with hearing and how a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) might affect them, which could lead to hearing loss, with the goal of finding better ways to treat this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,169 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC021388-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930030 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and young children who have been diagnosed with cytomegalovirus infection and are at risk for hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cytomegalovirus infection or who are not experiencing hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of resident tissue macrophages in the cochlea, which is crucial for hearing, particularly in the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The study aims to understand how these immune cells contribute to cochlear development and how their function may be disrupted by CMV, potentially leading to sensorineural hearing loss. By examining the origins and spatial distribution of these macrophages, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could inform future treatments for hearing loss associated with viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating hearing loss caused by cytomegalovirus infection.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on resident tissue macrophages in the cochlea related to CMV is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in other contexts of hearing loss.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Otsuka, Kelly — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Otsuka, Kelly
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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.