Helping aging immune cells heal the lung after viral pneumonia
Project 4: Epigenetic modifiers of regulatory T cell function following viral pneumonia
['FUNDING_P01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11188996
This work looks at whether changing chemical marks on immune 'regulatory T' cells can help older adults' lungs recover faster after severe viral pneumonia like flu or COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11188996 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I would learn that researchers are studying a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells that help the lung repair itself after severe flu or COVID-19, and that these cells work less well with age. They compare patterns from mice and human lung samples to see how DNA chemical tags (epigenetic marks) change with age and affect repair signals such as amphiregulin. The team aims to reverse age-related changes in these cells in the lab and identify targets that could be turned into treatments to boost recovery in older patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults who have experienced severe viral pneumonia (for example from influenza or COVID-19) that caused ARDS or required intensive care.
Not a fit: People with non-viral causes of lung injury, primarily chronic lung disease without an acute viral event, or those who have already fully recovered may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that speed lung repair, shorten ICU stays, and reduce long-term disability in older adults after severe viral pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show regulatory T cells promote lung repair and that aging weakens this function, but using epigenetic approaches to restore pro-repair activity is relatively new and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SINGER, BENJAMIN DAVID — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SINGER, BENJAMIN DAVID
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 below.
Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome