How hydrogen sulfide exposure may make the flu worse
Deciphering mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide-induced susceptibility to influenza A virus infection
This project looks at whether breathing low, real-world levels of hydrogen sulfide can make influenza A infections more severe for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will expose mice to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide similar to levels seen in some workplaces and then give them Influenza A to see how infection unfolds. They will track survival, lung injury, inflammation, and immune responses in the animals. Lab tests on lung tissue and cells will be used to identify the biological pathways by which hydrogen sulfide changes flu outcomes. The team aims to connect environmental exposure to measurable changes that could explain worse flu illness after hydrogen sulfide exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who work in industries with known hydrogen sulfide exposure or who live in areas with elevated air pollutants and are concerned about flu risk are most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with no hydrogen sulfide exposure and low risk of influenza are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform workplace safety rules and lead to strategies to protect people exposed to hydrogen sulfide from severe influenza.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel focus: while air pollution has been linked to worse respiratory infections, no prior studies have specifically examined how hydrogen sulfide interacts with Influenza A.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rumbeiha, Wilson Kiiza — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Rumbeiha, Wilson Kiiza
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.