How air pollution affects the immune response to respiratory infections in adults

Effect of Air Pollution on the Immune Response to Respiratory Viral Infection in Adults

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-10987004

This study looks at how breathing in air pollution might affect how well your immune system fights off respiratory infections if you've been hospitalized for one, helping us understand why some people get sicker than others.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10987004 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to air pollution influences the immune system's response to respiratory viral infections (RVIs) in adults. The study focuses on patients who have been hospitalized with confirmed RVIs, analyzing the relationship between short-term air pollution exposure and immune response changes. By examining specific gene pathways involved in the immune response, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that may increase the risk of severe infections due to air pollution. This work combines advanced environmental epidemiology techniques with immune system analysis to provide insights into public health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have been hospitalized with microbiologically confirmed respiratory viral infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have respiratory viral infections or are not exposed to significant levels of air pollution may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of respiratory infections in individuals exposed to high levels of air pollution.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a link between air pollution and respiratory health, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.