Chronic Alcohol Use and Lung Immune Defense in Pneumonia Risk
Official title: Chronic Alcohol Consumption Dysregulates Lung Hyaluronic Acid
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11367253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how long-term heavy drinking changes lung immune cells and makes pneumonia more likely, with a focus on how inflammatory molecules like hyaluronic acid influence this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $418,923 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA032629-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with a history of chronic alcohol use and a higher risk of bacterial lung infections.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of heavy alcohol use or lung infections may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one drinks heavily over time, this research looks at why the lungs may be less able to fight bacteria that cause pneumonia. Researchers will examine different lung macrophage types to see how alcohol-induced reactive oxygen species alter their ability to engulf and kill germs. They will also explore how hyaluronic acid signals inflammation in the lung environment and whether this contributes to higher infection risk. The goal is to identify targeted ways to protect lung immunity for people with alcohol use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to new therapies that reduce pneumonia risk for people who have AUD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests macrophage diversity affects infection responses, supporting exploration of targeted therapies in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeligar, Samantha M. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Yeligar, Samantha M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.