Investigating nerve and immune interactions in throat issues after influenza infection
Official title: Neuroimmune interactions for laryngeal sensorimotor neuropathy in postviral influenza infection
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10922743 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the flu virus can affect the nerves in your voice box, which might lead to problems like losing your voice or having a persistent cough, and it's using mice to figure out how these issues happen and how we might fix them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 20, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DC021634-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922743 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced vocal fold paralysis or chronic cough following a viral respiratory infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with laryngeal issues not related to viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how viral infections, specifically influenza, affect the nerves and immune responses in the larynx, which can lead to problems like vocal fold paralysis and chronic cough. By using a mouse model, the researchers will explore how the infection activates certain nerve cells and causes inflammation in the laryngeal tissues. They will employ advanced techniques such as imaging and genetic analysis to map the neural circuits involved and identify the specific cells that contribute to these conditions. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind these laryngeal issues and how they can be repaired after viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from throat-related issues caused by viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding neuroimmune interactions in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Foote, Alexander G — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Foote, Alexander G
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.