How estradiol (a form of estrogen) changes lung immune responses and flu outcomes in males and females
Predictive Modeling of Estradiol Effects and Sex Differences on Immunopathology during Influenza Infection
Researchers will combine lab experiments and computer models to learn how estradiol affects lung immunity and influenza in males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120954 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses influenza-infected mice to measure immune responses and gene activity over time after exposure to estradiol. It also examines human lung epithelial cells and lung macrophages from male and female donors in the lab. The team will apply mathematical and network models to the experimental data to identify immune pathways that estradiol changes and how those changes differ by sex. Findings aim to link hormone levels to virus replication and disease severity across sexes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people who can donate respiratory cells or tissue samples and are willing to provide basic health and sex-based information, typically recruited near the study site or through collaborating biobanks.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments for influenza are unlikely to benefit directly since the work is preclinical and focused on mechanisms rather than testing a therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to hormone-related mechanisms that explain sex differences in flu severity and suggest targets for more tailored treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows sex hormones can change flu outcomes and virus replication, but combining detailed time-course immune data with predictive mathematical models across mouse and human cells is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shoemaker, Jason Edward — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shoemaker, Jason Edward
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.