How lungs heal after serious infections like flu and COVID-19
Coordinated regeneration of lung epithelial and endothelial compartments
This research explores how the lungs repair themselves after severe infections like the flu and COVID-19, especially focusing on how different parts of the lung work together to heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135453 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Severe lung infections, like the flu and COVID-19, can cause significant damage and lead to a life-threatening condition called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). While we understand some aspects of how the lung's outer surface repairs itself, less is known about the healing process of the inner blood vessel lining, which is vital for preventing fluid buildup. This project explores how these two parts of the lung work together to heal after injury. Researchers are identifying specific signals and proteins that help the lung's blood vessels repair and how these repaired vessels then support the healing of the lung's air sacs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced or are at risk for severe lung damage from viral infections like influenza or SARS-CoV-2, leading to ARDS, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients with lung conditions not related to acute viral infection and subsequent ARDS may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help patients recover more fully from severe lung damage caused by infections.
How similar studies have performed: While some aspects of lung repair are known, this specific focus on the coordinated regeneration of both epithelial and endothelial compartments, and the role of specific signaling pathways and proteins, represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaughan, Andrew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Vaughan, Andrew
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.