The goal of the proposed research is to use a prospective cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants to determine the role of human rhinoviruses (HRV) in premature infant respiratory illnesses and subsequent asthma development.
The specific aims of this project are: 1) To define the incidence of symptomatic HRV infection among VLBW infants during the first year of life; 2) To determine the prevalence of recurrent wheeze and asthma in children who were infected with HRV as infants; and 3) To elucidate viral and host factors associated with HRV respiratory disease severity in premature infants and subsequent asthma development. We present preliminary evidence that the novel HRVC group are associated with wheezing in VLBW infants, and that type III IFN-? is associated with HRV disease severity in these infants. There are currently no means to prevent asthma and thus the findings of this research are likely to improve human health. These findings might be generalizable to other patient populations and guide further studies to broaden the scope of impact. This will be the premise for a lifelong career in the study of the viral-asthma relationship, and will be the foundation for many other important future studies. The work proposed uses a unique combination of clinical and laboratory approaches to address these questions, and the knowledge gained from these studies will likely elucidate potential novel prevention and treatment strategies. I have the expertise, motivation, and leadership necessary to successfully complete the proposed work. My training in HRV research and asthma offer specific expertise in key areas for this application. I have learned to perform basic molecular diagnostics of real-time RT-PCR for viruses, carried out epidemiologic studies of HRV in young hospitalized children, and have performed viral sequencing to genotype HRV strains. I have applied this laboratory knowledge to large cohorts to describe some of the first statistically significant clinical differences in various HRV groups. The current application builds logically on my prior work to answer important questions in the area of HRV and asthma. I have laid the groundwork to pursue these studies effectively, and have the mentorship to guide me as I further my training and knowledge in biological pathogenesis hypothesis development, testing, and reporting. My primary research mentor and committee have demonstrated their commitment to my career as outlined in my biosketch and their letters. While I have had the opportunity to acquire skills that have helped me to pursue studies of viruses and asthma, I require further mentored research to equip myself with skills such as working with cohorts and investigation of pathogenetic hypotheses. This award will enhance my career development and optimize my chances for success in independent research.
The goal of the proposed research is to continue/establish a prospective cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants designed to determine the role of human rhinoviruses (HRV) in premature infant illness and subsequent asthma development in Argentina; and to investigate the role of the virus and host in this relationship.
