How obesity and diabetes affect the body's defenses against viruses
Effect of obesity and diabetes in regulating pulmonary and extra-pulmonary anti-viral immune responses
This research explores why people with obesity and diabetes often experience more severe illness from viruses like the flu and COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133062 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand why obesity and diabetes make viral infections more dangerous. We know that these conditions can lead to increased inflammation and weaker immune responses against viruses. Using advanced laboratory models, our team is looking closely at how obesity and diabetes change immune cells in the lungs and other parts of the body. We are particularly interested in how these changes might make the body less able to fight off infections like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The goal is to uncover the specific ways these conditions alter the immune system, which could lead to new ways to protect vulnerable patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding the immune system in the context of obesity and diabetes, and is not directly recruiting patients at this time.
Not a fit: Patients without obesity or diabetes may not directly benefit from the specific insights gained about these conditions' impact on viral immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies to protect people with obesity and diabetes from severe viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that obesity and diabetes worsen outcomes in viral infections, and this research builds upon existing knowledge using advanced models.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khanna, Kamal Mohan — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Khanna, Kamal Mohan
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.