Investigating how lung cells respond to influenza and cause ongoing inflammation
Official title: Understanding and targeting fibroblast activation in influenza-triggered lung inflammation and post-viral disease
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-10917321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the flu can cause long-lasting lung problems and aims to find out how certain lung cells contribute to ongoing inflammation, with the goal of creating better treatments for people who have trouble breathing after getting over the flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $607,981 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170121-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced severe influenza infections and are suffering from ongoing respiratory symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had influenza infections or those with unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how influenza virus infections lead to persistent lung inflammation and complications, known as Post-viral Lung Disease (PVLD). It aims to identify the role of specific lung cells, particularly inflammatory fibroblasts, in driving this inflammation and preventing effective lung repair after the virus is cleared. By exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, the research seeks to develop potential treatments to improve recovery for patients suffering from prolonged respiratory symptoms following influenza infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help patients recover more effectively from severe influenza infections and reduce long-term respiratory issues.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on inflammatory fibroblasts in the context of PVLD is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding lung inflammation and repair mechanisms in other respiratory diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boyd, David Fielding — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Boyd, David Fielding
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Creating vaccines for influenza and other infectious diseases
This study is all about creating new vaccines to help protect people from the flu and other infections, so patients can look forward to better options for staying healthy.
-
Creating vaccines for human trials against influenza and other infectious diseases
This study is working on creating new vaccines to help protect people from flu and other infectious diseases, including those that could be used in harmful situations, so that everyone can have safer and more effective options to stay healthy.
-
Understanding flu and COVID-19 vaccine responses in people and in the lab
Researchers at Stanford explore how flu and COVID-19 vaccines work in people and in lab tests to improve protection for adults.
-
Surveillance and preparedness for flu and other respiratory pathogens in Kenya
A US-based research grant aims to improve how Kenya detects and prepares for influenza and other respiratory diseases to protect people there and global health.
-
Enhanced Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Targeting Shared and Variable Viral Antigens
A new DNA-based influenza vaccine approach aims to provide both precise protection against circulating strains and broader defense against unexpected strains.
-
How the immune system responds to flu shots and flu infection
This project looks at how adults' immune systems react after flu shots or when they catch the flu to find why some people get better protection than others.
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.