Pigs modified to model human NKT cell responses to influenza
Genetically modified pigs to model NKT cell immunity to influenza virus infection
Researchers are using genetically altered pigs with different NKT immune cells to learn how these cells affect flu infection and protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310205 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically changed pigs to focus on a special immune cell type called invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells that gather in the lungs. Scientists compare pigs that lack NKT cells (CD1d knockout) with normal pigs after flu exposure to measure virus shedding, lung inflammation, and immune responses. The team will also test how NKT cells influence protection from prior infection or vaccination. The goal is to use a pig model that better reflects human lung immunity than typical mouse models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who get influenza or are at higher risk for severe flu—such as older adults, those with chronic lung disease, or immunocompromised patients—are the populations most likely to benefit from insights generated by this research.
Not a fit: Because this is preclinical animal research rather than a human clinical trial, individuals looking for immediate experimental treatments would not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help guide better flu vaccines or treatments that target NKT-driven inflammation or protection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and lab studies, including the investigators' early CD1d knockout pigs that shed less virus, indicate NKT cells influence flu outcomes, but applying these findings to human therapies is still new.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Driver, John — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Driver, John
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.