Protecting lung blood vessels during viral infections
Sphingolipid signaling in the endothelium during viral host defense
Testing a nanoparticle therapy that helps the lining of lung blood vessels stay strong during respiratory viral infections to lower dangerous leaking, clotting, and bleeding.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258029 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research develops HDL-like nanoparticles that carry a protective lipid called S1P to strengthen endothelial cells that line blood vessels in the lung. The team is testing these particles alone and with other protective agents (angiopoietin-1 and prostacyclin) in laboratory cells and animal models of viral lung injury. They measure vascular leak, inflammation, clotting, and bleeding to see whether the treatment speeds recovery without causing excess thrombosis or hemorrhage. The work also looks at how the nanoparticle’s protein component reduces inflammatory signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at high risk for severe respiratory viral infections (for example influenza) with complications involving lung blood-vessel leak, clotting, or bleeding would be the most relevant candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-viral lung conditions or bleeding/clotting problems unrelated to endothelial dysfunction are less likely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce lung blood-vessel leak, inflammation, and dangerous clotting or bleeding during viral respiratory infections like influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work, including the investigators’ studies, shows HDL‑S1P and related approaches protect blood vessels in cells and animal models, but human testing is currently limited.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hla, Timothy Tun — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hla, Timothy Tun
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.