About CLARITY
Background uitklapper, klik om te openen
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a genetically diverse and common respiratory virus that infects nearly all infants before the age of 2 years. While most children recover without complications, in some cases RSV can cause long-term lung problems.
Strong epidemiological studies have shown a link between early RSV infection and the later development of asthma. However, the scientific field still does not fully understand how RSV affects the developing lungs of genetically predisposed children in a way that leads to chronic disease.
In other words, the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind virus-induced asthma remain unclear – and this gap in knowledge hinders the development of effective prevention and therapeutic approaches.
Our goal uitklapper, klik om te openen
CLARITY aims to unravel the causative link between RSV infection in early life and asthma development in predisposed individuals. By doing so, we aim to identify biological targets for therapy.
Can we prevent acute infection from turning into a life-long lung disease?
Our research approach uitklapper, klik om te openen
CLARITY brings together clinical and scientific experts and combine their expertise into a highly integrative approach. Molecular biologists, pediatricians, infectiologists, virologists, immunologists, network biologists, biochemists and AI experts are working together to understand how RSV infection interacts with genetic predisposition. To goal is to identify viral and host genetic risk factors and pathways that drive virus-induced asthma.
Viral genetics
We will identify human genetic risk factors and RSV strains that contribute to severe bronchiolitis and asthma development.
Artificial intelligence
Our researchers use AI-driven methods to analyse how RSV infection affects cells in the lungs. By integrating our data with existing biological knowledge, we aim to map exactly where and how RSV affects lung function. This mapping allows us to generate so-called ‘’perturbation signatures’’, which are biological fingerprints of RSV induced damage. We also aim to identify druglike compounds that could revert the effects of the RSV-induced perturbations.
Organoid models
We validate both the disease mechanisms and compounds for potential treatments in patient derived airway organoid models – miniature lung models that are grown in the lab. These miniature lung models allow us to test whether RSV induced damage can be suppressed by the candidate compounds.
Patient involvement
We actively involve patients at every stage of the project, from research design to communication and dissemination. The perspectives of patients help us ensure that our work is relevant, impactful and aligned with societal needs. Read more about how we involve patients on the Patients page.
Expected outcomes uitklapper, klik om te openen
- Creating a genetic risk score for the long-term development of virus-induced asthma.
- Tailored prevention campaigns based on genetic risk scores, co-developed with patient groups.
- Identification of molecular mechanisms and compounds that can repair lung damage and that may lead to the development of specific drugs.
Impact uitklapper, klik om te openen
Chronic respiratory diseases, especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are a growing burden on society, both in terms of individual suffering and societal costs. In the EU alone, chronic disorders cause major reductions in quality of life and account for an estimated €380 billion in health care and economic costs each year.
The outcomes of CLARITY have the potential to deliver impact at multiple levels:
- Clinical utility: We contribute to improved care and prevention for respiratory diseases by identifying biological mechanisms and treatments.
- Socio-economic value: We aim to reduce disease burden and promote the well-being of patients, their caregivers and the broader public.
- Public awareness: By clarifying the link between RSV and chronic lung disease, we aim to support education and awareness among patients and healthcare professionals – ultimately contributing to better prevention and care.