Gut bacteria and lung immune cells shape viral lung infections
Official title: Impact of gut microbiota on alveolar macrophages and respiratory viral infection severity
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-11449351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores how gut microbes affect lung immune cells and severity of respiratory viral infections to identify potential ways to reduce illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $795,962 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI195920-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with respiratory viral infections or at-risk populations in whom gut-lung interactions could affect disease severity (once translated to humans).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without effective gut-lung interaction modulation or those not experiencing respiratory viral infections may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
We will investigate how the gut microbiome influences alveolar macrophages, the first responders in the lungs, during respiratory virus infections. The project builds on mouse data showing certain gut bacteria can protect against severe infection by altering lung immune cells. By combining microbiome analysis, lung cell profiling, and viral challenge experiments, we aim to map the gut-lung connection and identify mechanisms that lessen lung damage. Findings could point to new strategies to prevent severe outcomes from viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The research may eventually guide therapies that modulate the gut microbiome or lung macrophage function to improve patient recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new approaches to reduce severe respiratory infections by manipulating gut bacteria or lung macrophage activity.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies show gut bacteria can influence lung infection outcomes, suggesting potential for human relevance, but human validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewirtz, Andrew T — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Gewirtz, Andrew T
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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.