How diet affects the immune response to lung infections
Official title: Dietary regulation of inflammasome-mediated host defense by branched-chain amino acid metabolism
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11069547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nutrients in our diet, called branched-chain amino acids, can help boost the immune system's ability to fight off lung infections, and it could lead to new advice on what to eat for better respiratory health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL178024-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of respiratory infections or those at high risk for pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory infections or those not affected by dietary factors in their immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary factors, specifically branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), influence the immune system's ability to fight off lung infections caused by bacteria like Legionella pneumophila. The study focuses on understanding the role of inflammasomes, which are proteins that help trigger inflammation and cell death to combat infections. By exploring the metabolic pathways activated by these amino acids, the research aims to uncover new ways to enhance the body's natural defenses against respiratory diseases. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to dietary recommendations or therapies that improve immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary strategies or treatments that enhance the immune response to respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary components can significantly influence immune responses, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haggadone, Mikel David — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Haggadone, Mikel David
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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.