How influenza virus causes bacterial infections in the lungs
Official title: Influenza Mediated ER Stress and Secondary Bacterial Infections
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10901165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the flu virus can make it easier for bacteria to cause infections in the lungs, especially by affecting the cells that help protect our airways, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how to better prevent these infections after getting the flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,574 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI183758-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901165 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of influenza infections, particularly those at risk for secondary bacterial infections, such as patients with cystic fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of influenza infections or those without risk factors for secondary bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the influenza A virus can lead to secondary bacterial infections, particularly focusing on the role of the airway epithelium, which is the first line of defense in the lungs. The study examines how influenza induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which may impair the function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. By using human bronchial epithelial cells, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind this process and explore potential interventions that could reduce bacterial burden without affecting the influenza virus itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing severe complications from influenza infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing ER stress can mitigate complications from viral infections, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Earnhardt, Erin Yepsen — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Earnhardt, Erin Yepsen
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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.