Investigating how immune cells and microRNAs affect lung injury from respiratory viruses in hamsters with diabetes.
Official title: Role of macrophages and miRNA in regulating lung macrophage polarization and lung pathogenesis during respiratory virus-induced acute lung injury in normal and diabetic Syrian hamsters.
Funded at Boise VA Medical Center · NIH-10901901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and tiny molecules in the body affect lung damage from viruses like COVID-19 in diabetic hamsters, with the goal of finding ways to help people with similar issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006273-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk for severe respiratory viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those not at risk for severe respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how macrophages, a type of immune cell, and microRNAs influence lung injury caused by respiratory viruses like COVID-19 in diabetic Syrian hamsters. The study examines how these immune cells can switch between promoting inflammation and resolving it, particularly in the context of diabetes, which affects their function. By using hamsters as a model, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind severe lung injuries and explore potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for acute lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome, particularly in diabetic patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores novel mechanisms, similar studies have shown promise in understanding immune responses in respiratory infections.
Where this research is happening
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Boise VA Medical Center
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Radke, Jay R — Boise VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Radke, Jay R
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.