Investigating how CD38 affects lung issues after viral infections in older adults
Official title: CD38, T cells and post viral lung sequelae during aging
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11018712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some people, especially older adults, can have ongoing lung issues after recovering from COVID-19 and other viral infections, and it aims to find ways to improve their lung health by focusing on certain cells and enzymes in the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $639,740 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG090337-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced acute COVID-19 or other respiratory viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a recent viral infection or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the long-term lung problems that some individuals develop after recovering from COVID-19 and other viral infections. It examines the role of CD8 tissue resident memory cells and the enzyme CD38 in the lungs of older adults, who may be more susceptible to chronic lung conditions. By targeting CD38, the researchers aim to reduce the accumulation of these cells and potentially lessen the chronic lung fibrosis that can occur after viral pneumonia. The study will involve analyzing cellular and molecular mechanisms to provide insights into effective treatments for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate chronic lung issues in older adults following viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting immune responses to improve outcomes in chronic lung conditions, suggesting this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Jie — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sun, Jie
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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.