Investigating how lung microbiota affects susceptibility to respiratory infections
Official title: Lung Dysbiosis and Increased Host Susceptibility to Respiratory Pathogens
Funded at VA Medical Center · NIH-10911082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny germs in your lungs might affect your chances of getting sick from respiratory infections, especially for Veterans, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve lung health by understanding how these germs work with your immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005309-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911082 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans suffering from chronic lung diseases such as COPD or those experiencing recurrent respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic lung conditions or those not exposed to respiratory pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between lung microbiota and the body's susceptibility to respiratory pathogens, particularly in Veterans. It utilizes advanced sequencing techniques to identify microbial communities in the lower airways and examines how dysbiosis, or imbalance in these communities, can lead to increased inflammation and immune response issues. The study aims to understand how specific microbial metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids, influence immune function and pathogen resistance through pre-clinical models. By focusing on chronic lung conditions, the research seeks to uncover potential new therapeutic strategies for improving lung health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for respiratory infections, reducing reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of lung microbiota in respiratory health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Medical Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Benjamin G — VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wu, Benjamin G
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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.