How lung and brain communication affects respiratory viral infections.
Official title: Lung-brain communication in the onset of respiratory viral infection.
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10894638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the lungs and brain talk to each other when someone has a respiratory virus like the flu, to better understand how this affects the body's immune response, and it's being done using mice to find out more about this important connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,083 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134281-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing respiratory viral infections or those at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory viral infections or those not experiencing respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between the lungs and the brain during respiratory viral infections, such as influenza A. It aims to understand how these two organs influence each other and how this interaction affects the immune response to infection. Using a mouse model, the study will explore the signaling mechanisms involved in this communication and how they change as the infection progresses. By examining these processes, the research seeks to uncover critical insights into the relationship between lung health and brain function during respiratory challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating respiratory viral infections by targeting lung-brain communication pathways.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on lung-brain communication during respiratory infections is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monroe, Sarah Katherine — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Monroe, Sarah Katherine
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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.