How vaping affects lung immunity and infection risk
Official title: Vaping has an immunosuppressive effect, rendering the lung more susceptible to microbial infections
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-11190785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how e-cigarette use might weaken your lungs' defenses, making them more vulnerable to infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16HL178696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11190785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is relevant to individuals who use e-cigarettes and are concerned about their lung health or susceptibility to infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or have pre-existing lung conditions unrelated to vaping may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We know that traditional smoking harms the lungs, but less is understood about e-cigarettes. This project aims to understand if exposure to vaped e-liquid makes the lungs more likely to get sick. Researchers will use human lung cells in the lab and animal models to see how vaping affects lung health and immune cells. The goal is to uncover how vaping might start or worsen lung diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand the health risks of e-cigarettes and guide public health recommendations for vapers.
How similar studies have gone: While traditional smoking effects are well-documented, research specifically on e-cigarettes and lung immunity is still emerging and actively being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Onyenwoke, Rob U — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Onyenwoke, Rob U
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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.