How flu triggers lung cell death and immune protection
Mechanism, Function, and Exploitation of Influenza A Virus-Activated Cell Death
Researchers are finding out how influenza makes lung cells die and why some lung immune cells survive, to help protect people from severe flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at a cellular alarm called ZBP1 that senses unusual viral and host RNAs and turns on a death-signaling protein called RIPK3. The team studies lung cells and alveolar macrophages using lab-grown cells, infected tissue samples, and animal models to see when cells die and when macrophages activate protective programs instead. They are following up on discoveries that some Z-RNAs come from the host, that macrophages can resist death through a non-cytolytic response, and that necroptosis can start in the nucleus. The researchers test whether manipulating parts of this pathway can prevent damaging lung cell death during influenza infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent influenza infections or those willing to donate respiratory samples or immune cells would be the most relevant to contribute to related parts of this work.
Not a fit: People without influenza or with health issues unrelated to viral lung injury are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to ways to prevent harmful lung cell death in influenza and lead to treatments that reduce lung injury and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies established the ZBP1–RIPK3 pathway in flu-induced cell death, but the findings about host-derived Z-RNAs, macrophage protective programs, and nuclear necroptosis are novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balachandran, Siddharth — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Balachandran, Siddharth
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.