How obesity affects immune responses to influenza virus infections
Official title: Impact of obesity on antiviral NK cell function and immune crosstalk with respiratory epithelial cells during influenza virus infection
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10903473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight affects your immune system, especially how certain immune cells work when you get the flu, to help explain why people with obesity might get sicker from respiratory infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI183804-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with obesity, defined as having a BMI greater than 30.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of obesity on the function of natural killer (NK) cells during influenza virus infections. It aims to understand how obesity, characterized by a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, alters the immune response, particularly the interaction between NK cells and respiratory epithelial cells. By examining these mechanisms, the study seeks to uncover why individuals with obesity are more susceptible to severe respiratory infections. The research will involve laboratory experiments to analyze NK cell behavior in the context of viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for respiratory infections in obese individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that obesity can negatively impact immune responses in other contexts, suggesting that this investigation may yield important insights.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brigleb, Pamela — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Brigleb, Pamela
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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.