Scientists infect older adults with RSV to unlock vaccine secrets
NCT ID NCT03728413
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how the immune system of older adults (ages 60-75) responds to a controlled infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Researchers gave 28 healthy volunteers a weakened form of the virus via nasal drops and monitored their symptoms and immune reactions for 14 days. The goal was to identify which parts of the immune response are most important for protection, which could guide the development of better RSV vaccines for the elderly.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- RSV A Memphis 37 (a weakened respiratory syncytial virus given as nasal drops)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal which immune targets are most important for protecting older adults against RSV, helping design better vaccines.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study (28 participants) that deliberately infects people with a virus. It is not testing a treatment or vaccine, so direct benefits are unlikely.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for RSV INFECTION are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Imperial College London
London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Nasal spray vaccine aims to shield infants from RSV
- Could a simple pill tame RSV? new trial tests obeldesivir
- New swab test aims to spot COVID, flu, and RSV in minutes
- New device aims to detect flu, RSV, and COVID-19 in one quick test
- RSV drug trial for kids under 5 halted early – only 4 children enrolled
- Triple-Threat vaccine aims to shield seniors from three respiratory viruses