How the protein Caspase-8 controls lung immune cells during severe 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-11097283
Researchers are seeing how a protein called Caspase-8 affects lung immune cells during severe flu and bacterial pneumonia to help protect patients.
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-11097283 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies a protein, Caspase-8, that helps decide how lung macrophage cells die or survive during serious respiratory infections like influenza and secondary bacterial pneumonia. Scientists will use laboratory experiments—including cell studies and animal models—and analyze lung and blood immune cells to understand how different types of cell death change the balance between clearing infection and limiting tissue damage. The goal is to learn why coinfections can become more deadly and which macrophage responses help people tolerate or resist severe disease. Findings may point to biological targets for future therapies that reduce lung injury during severe infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people (including children and adults) who have had severe influenza or bacterial pneumonia and who can donate blood or respiratory samples for research.
Not a fit: People without respiratory infections or with conditions unrelated to lung infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to protect lungs and reduce severe illness or death from influenza and bacterial pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that manipulating cell-death pathways can change infection outcomes in animal models, but translating these findings into human treatments remains early and unproven.
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