Characterising the immune response to RSV in preterm and term infants

Summary Using a cohort of preterm and term infant cord blood samples, we aim to characterise their immune response profiles by using a combination of cell culture, flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine assays. This data will provide important insights into the immunological susceptibility to severe RSV during early life with the promise of developing more targeted approaches to protect this vulnerable group of infants.

Project Details

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common viral pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infection in children. Globally, RSV affects 33 million children and causes 60,000 in-hospital deaths in children under 5 years of age each year, with severe infection more likely to occur in preterm infants. The increased susceptibility to RSV among preterm infants is thought to be due to immaturity of the immune system. Using a cohort of preterm and term infant cord blood samples, we aim to characterise their immune response profiles by using a combination of cell culture, flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine assays. This data will provide important insights into the immunological susceptibility to severe RSV during early life with the promise of developing more targeted approaches to protect this vulnerable group of infants.