Mapping how aging changes the lungs during flu
A spatial sequencing atlas of age-induced changes in the lung during influenza infection
This project will create detailed tissue maps showing how aging changes lung cells and immune responses during influenza, aiming to help older adults avoid severe flu outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll be shown high-resolution maps that pinpoint which lung cells and immune cells turn on specific genes during influenza infection, with comparisons between young and aged lungs (mainly using mouse models). The team uses spatial sequencing to see where cells sit in the tissue and how immune cells like CD8+ T cells interact with epithelial and endothelial cells. They will also look for links between tissue damage in the lung and changes in blood clotting that occur with aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults—especially those who have had severe influenza or who are willing to provide blood or respiratory samples for research—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Young healthy people or patients with conditions unrelated to influenza or aging are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to boost immune protection and reduce severe flu and related complications in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Spatial transcriptomics has previously revealed important cell interactions in lungs and aging in animal studies, but applying it specifically to aged influenza-infected lungs is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Weiguo — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Cui, Weiguo
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 below.