How viruses affect airway cells and lung defense
Local translation and viral infection in the airway epithelium
This work explores how common viruses like flu and COVID-19 infect and damage the cells lining our airways, which are crucial for lung defense.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082361 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our airways are protected by special cells with tiny hairs called cilia, which help clear out germs. Viruses like the flu and COVID-19 often attack these cells, leading to serious breathing problems. We want to understand exactly how these viruses take over the cell's machinery to make more virus particles. By looking closely at how these cells normally build important proteins and how viruses disrupt this process, we hope to uncover new ways to fight infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with airway diseases or those susceptible to viral respiratory infections could potentially benefit from future applications of this basic science.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to viral airway infections or the basic cellular processes of the airway epithelium may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new treatments or ways to prevent severe airway infections caused by common viruses like influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
How similar studies have performed: While the general mechanisms of viral infection are known, the specific role of "Localized Translation granules" in multiciliated cells and their targeting by viruses is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cardoso, Wellington V. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cardoso, Wellington V.
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.