Study Results

Why was this study done? 

  • This study was done to better understand how the body protects itself against RSV in older adults. Older adults are more likely to become seriously unwell from RSV, but we still do not fully understand which immune responses are most important for protection.  
  • To answer this question, researchers used a controlled human infection model (CHIM). This type of study can uniquely address scientific questions around infection and immunity. By studying people in a carefully controlled way, researchers can learn how the body responds after RSV infection, how this response changes over time, and which parts of the immune system may help protect against future infection.  
  • The aim is to use this knowledge to support the development of new treatments and vaccines that will better manage and prevent RSV in older adults.  

 

What happened in this study? 

  • Healthy older adults aged 65-75 years were given the RSV virus by droplets in the nose, under controlled conditions and with close medical supervision.  
  • Participants stayed in a residential facility for up to 10 days after being given the virus and were subsequently followed up over a period of 6 months.  
  • Samples and data were collected throughout the study, including blood samples, nose and throat samples, symptom scores and medical assessments.  

 

What did the study find? 

  • All participants received the same dose of the virus and 12/20 became infected (60%). 
  • No participants developed serious side effects or serious illness. 
  • 11 of the 12 infected participants experienced symptoms, predominantly affecting the upper respiratory tract (sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, sore throat).  

 

What do the findings mean?  

  • This controlled human infection study can safely answer key questions about how the immune system protects against RSV infection.  
  • Further work is currently in progress to investigate whether antibodies in the blood and nose can protect against infection.  
  • The findings will help researchers develop and test next-generation vaccines and treatments that aim to block transmission and prevent severe RSV infections.  

 

Thank you to all the CHIRP-01 participants who took part and to all the researchers who worked on this study.