How Caspase-8 controls lung immune cells during severe respiratory infections
Central role of Caspase-8 in control of host tolerance and resistance mechanisms in pulmonary macrophage populations during severe respiratory infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11336742
This research looks at how a protein called Caspase‑8 helps immune cells in the lungs respond to severe infections like flu and bacterial pneumonia to protect people from worse illness.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11336742 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will study how Caspase‑8 affects death and survival of lung macrophages during severe influenza and bacterial co‑infections using laboratory models and human‑relevant samples. Researchers will compare different types of programmed cell death and measure effects on infection clearance versus harmful inflammation. The team will alter Caspase‑8 activity in cells and animal models and analyze lung tissue and immune responses to see whether changing Caspase‑8 improves outcomes. Results may point to biological steps that could be targeted to help people tolerate severe lung infections better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe respiratory infections such as influenza or secondary bacterial pneumonia, or those at high risk for these complications, would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients without infectious lung disease or those with unrelated chronic conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to protect lungs during severe infections and reduce complications and deaths from flu-related bacterial pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that changing cell‑death pathways in immune cells can alter infection outcomes, but targeting Caspase‑8 in lung macrophages is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES
- BROWN UNIVERSITY — PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAMIESON, AMANDA M — BROWN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JAMIESON, AMANDA M
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: Airway infections