Woodsmoke Exposure, Influenza Infection, and Nasal Immunity
The Effects of Woodsmoke Exposure on Nasal Immune Responses to Influenza Infection in Normal Human Volunteers
Who can join
Ages 18 to 49 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal lung function, * oxygen saturation of \>94%, * normal blood pressure, * no respiratory symptoms on history, no abnormalities on exam, normal pulmonary function testing, * 18-49 Years of age. Exclusion Criteria: * A history of significant chronic illnesses (to include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency state, known ischemic heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, hypertension) * Positive pregnancy test within 48 hours of the time of challenge * Use of any inhaled substance (for medical or recreational purposes). * Nonsmokers must have been abstinent from smoking for the prior 12 months, having not smoked more than 1 pack over the course of the previous year. * History of allergy to eggs * Acute, non-chronic, medical conditions, including (but not limited to) pneumonia or bronchitis requiring antibiotics, febrile illnesses, flu-like symptoms must be totally resolved symptomatically for 3 weeks * Unspecified illnesses, which in the judgment of the investigator increase the risk associated with the experimental LAIV infection, will be a basis for exclusion. * Expected exposure of subject to immunocompromised individuals (who can be infected by LAIV) for the 3 weeks following LAIV inoculation. * Use of immunosuppressive drugs within the past 6 months. * Previous Woodsmoke exposure \<3 weeks, which is considered to an appropriate washout period
About the study
This study will investigate the effects of woodsmoke (WS) exposure on human nasal mucosal immune responses to viral infection. The study tests the hypotheses that WS exposure modifies biomarkers of nasal mucosal immune function, increases in Live Attenuated Influenza Virus (LAIV) -induced nasal symptoms, and reduces mucosal antibody production.
What is being tested
- LAIV nasal vaccine is chosen as a model viral infection (biological)
- Wood smoke (other)
- Placebo for LAIV nasal vaccine is chosen as a model viral infection (biological)
- Placebo for Wood Smoke (clean Air Exposure) (other)
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Participants: 112 · Started: Sep 26, 2025
Contact the study team
- Carole Robinette, MS · Phone: 919 966-5638
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06841913
Locations in the U.S.
| North Carolina | Mary Ellen Jones, Chapel Hill |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.