Co-infection biophysics and transmission of flu and bacteria in the airways
Official title: Research Project 2
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11451550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how influenza A virus and bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae interact on the airway surfaces and what that means for infection and spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $530,027 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AI202800-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with upper respiratory infections or those at risk for flu and bacterial co-infections.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure to respiratory pathogens may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at St. Jude are studying how influenza and bacteria in the upper airway interact at a physical level, including how the virus binds to bacterial surfaces and how that pairing helps both partners endure environmental challenges. The project uses findings from human cohorts and animal models to understand how these interactions influence transmission of influenza through the airways. By examining which bacteria promote or hinder flu spread, the work aims to map factors in the nose and throat that could be targeted to reduce infections. The long-term goal is to reveal patterns that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for co-infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to strategies that reduce flu transmission and improve management of bacterial-viral co-infections in people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked bacterial communities to influenza transmission, but this project investigates direct virus-bacteria interactions and their impact on spread.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosch, Jason W. — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rosch, Jason W.
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.