How influenza affects the body's defense against a serious lung infection.
Influenza Attenuates Innate Pulmonary Host Defense against Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
This study is looking at how getting the flu can make it harder for your body to fight off a serious lung infection caused by a fungus, and it's aimed at helping people who have had the flu to better protect themselves from this dangerous condition.
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-10865086 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of influenza infection on the body's ability to fight off invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a severe lung disease caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The study aims to understand how influenza weakens the immune response, particularly focusing on the role of neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections. By examining cell signaling pathways and immune responses, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies to prevent this life-threatening condition in patients who have had influenza.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients who have recently experienced influenza and are at risk for developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had influenza or those without risk factors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response in patients at risk for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis following influenza infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding immune responses to infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Keven Mara — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Keven Mara
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.