Investigating how young immune cells can help fight viral pneumonia
Official title: Recent thyme emigrants mitigate viral pulmonary pneumonia
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11094146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why kids don’t get as sick from viral pneumonia as adults do, by exploring a special type of immune cell that helps protect the lungs, with hopes of finding new treatments to help adults and others who are more at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185795-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include adults suffering from severe viral pneumonia or those at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral pneumonia or those who are not experiencing severe respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why children are less likely to suffer severe pneumonia from viral infections compared to adults. The team is studying a specific type of immune cell, known as recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), which are produced in the thymus and migrate to the lungs during infection. By examining these cells in prepubescent mice, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that provide protection against severe pulmonary inflammation. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies that can reduce the harmful effects of viral pneumonia in adults and other vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly reduce the severity of viral pneumonia in adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of leveraging recent thymic emigrants is novel, previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in children can lead to breakthroughs in treating viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pociask, Derek a — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Pociask, Derek a
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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.