Investigating rare airway cells' role in lung inflammation after viral infections
Official title: Rare Airway Cell Function in Post-Viral Chronic Inflammation
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10886971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain rare cells in the lungs work after viral infections like the flu and COVID-19, and it aims to find out how these cells help the body fight off illness and heal, which could help us understand lung recovery better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career 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 | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $152,212 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL169897-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe respiratory viral infections and are suffering from chronic lung conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral related lung diseases or those who have not had significant respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how rare types of airway cells function in the lungs after viral infections like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. It aims to identify specific progenitor cells that develop into Microfold (M) cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response by capturing and delivering antigens. The study employs advanced techniques such as single nucleus expression and chromatin sequencing to analyze airway cells and their behavior following lung injury. By uncovering the mechanisms behind M cell differentiation, this research seeks to provide insights into lung repair processes and chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating chronic lung diseases resulting from viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of M cells in the lung is relatively novel, similar approaches in other contexts have shown promise in understanding immune responses.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barr, Justinn — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Barr, Justinn
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.