How lungs heal after severe viral pneumonia
Mechanisms of Recovery from Viral Pneumonia
['FUNDING_P01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11188980
Researchers are looking at why some people with severe viral pneumonia and ARDS struggle to recover and what helps lungs repair themselves.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11188980 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you've had severe viral pneumonia that led to ARDS, this project looks at how lungs recover after that damage. The team combines analyses of patient data (including findings from ARDSnet) with laboratory models to study why inflammation sometimes persists and blocks repair. Investigators focus on the cells and molecular signals that control resolution of lung inflammation and healthy tissue regrowth, including a 'hyperinflammatory' group linked to worse outcomes. The integrated work aims to point to biological targets that could become treatments to improve recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults recovering from severe viral pneumonia or ARDS, including influenza- or COVID-19-related lung injury, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without viral pneumonia or ARDS (for example, those with stable chronic lung disease but no acute injury) are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify ways to help lungs resolve inflammation and repair damage so people with viral pneumonia/ARDS recover function and have fewer complications or deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has described a 'hyperinflammatory' ARDS endotype and improved supportive care helps some patients, but targeted therapies to speed lung repair remain largely unproven, so this approach builds on clinical observations with novel mechanistic work.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIDGE, KAREN M — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: RIDGE, KAREN M
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.
Conditions: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome