How the protein caspase-8 affects lung immune cells during severe flu and bacterial pneumonia
Central role of Caspase-8 in control of host tolerance and resistance mechanisms in pulmonary macrophage populations during severe respiratory infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11417840
This work looks at whether a protein called caspase-8 helps lung immune cells balance killing germs and protecting lung tissue during severe influenza and bacterial pneumonia in children and adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11417840 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about research that focuses on a protein, caspase-8, inside lung macrophages — the immune cells that both fight infections and help repair lung tissue. The team uses laboratory models of severe influenza and bacterial co-infection to see how different kinds of cell death change outcomes. They manipulate caspase-8 in cells and animals and connect those findings to human-relevant samples to better understand disease tolerance versus pathogen clearance. The researchers aim to learn whether changing caspase-8 activity can reduce lung damage and improve survival in serious respiratory infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe respiratory infections such as influenza complicated by bacterial pneumonia, or patients willing to donate respiratory samples, would be the most relevant candidates to contribute to or benefit from this work.
Not a fit: People with mild, uncomplicated respiratory infections or conditions unrelated to lung infection likely would not see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent lung damage and reduce deaths from severe flu and bacterial pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show that changing cell-death pathways can alter outcomes in lung infections, but focusing on caspase-8 in macrophages is a relatively new and evolving approach.
Where this research is happening
PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES
- BROWN UNIVERSITY — PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAMIESON, AMANDA M — BROWN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JAMIESON, AMANDA 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: Airway infections, Bacterial Infections