How metabolism affects lung healing after flu pneumonia
Project 2: Metabolic regulation of host response and repair mechanisms to influenza A viral pneumonia
['FUNDING_P01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11188991
Researchers will try changing immune cell energy use to lower inflammation and help lungs recover after influenza A pneumonia.
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-11188991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
After flu pneumonia, ongoing inflammation can stop lungs from repairing themselves, which can cause death or long-term disability. This project focuses on immune cells in the lung called monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages and a protein complex (NLRP3 inflammasome) that drives inflammation. Scientists will use laboratory models, patient-derived samples, and metabolic approaches (for example altering mitochondrial function or giving metabolic compounds like lactate) to see if shifting cell metabolism reduces inflammasome activity and improves tissue repair. The goal is to find metabolic targets that could lead to new treatments to speed lung recovery after influenza.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had influenza A viral pneumonia or who have prolonged lung inflammation or ARDS after influenza would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with non-viral causes of lung injury, unrelated chronic lung diseases, or those already fully recovered from pneumonia may not benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower lung inflammation, improve survival, and reduce long-term disability after severe flu-related pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies support that targeting mitochondrial metabolism can reduce inflammasome activation, but human clinical evidence is currently limited.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHANDEL, NAVDEEP S — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CHANDEL, NAVDEEP S
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 Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome