RSV Infection and Asthma (TGF-Beta in Asthmatic Epithelial Cell Susceptibility to RSV Infection)

Research Triangle Park, NC

  • Non-asthmatic & mild asthmatic
  • Participants 18-60 years of age
  • Candidates will be screened for eligibility over the phone and scheduled for a screening visit to confirm eligibility for the study
  • Participants must be able to understand and provide written informed consent
  • Participants must be able to travel to the CRU and the EPA


Stavros Garantziotis
Stavros Garantziotis, M.D. Tenure Track Investigator; Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory Tel 984-287-4412 Fax 919-541-9854 garantziotis@niehs.nih.gov

Asthma patients seem to be more prone to viral infections, and NIEHS scientists believe that the cells that line these patients' airways, cause this result by overproducing TGF-beta1, a protein that promotes viral growth. This study seeks participants with and without asthma to contribute airway cell samples.

closed NIEHS scientists will explore whether there is a difference in lung cells from healthy and asthmatic participants and how these cells respond to exposure to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a very common virus that leads to cold-like symptoms. The study will also evaluate if a protein in lung cells called TGF-Beta increases risk of infection with RSV.