Targeted IL-2 to reduce lung inflammation and boost immunity in severe flu
Harnessing targeted IL-2 to reduce immunopathology and enhance immunity against respiratory virus infection
A targeted form of the immune protein IL-2 is being developed to calm dangerous lung inflammation and strengthen immunity for people with severe influenza and related respiratory virus infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, this project is developing a targeted form of the immune protein IL-2 to calm dangerous lung inflammation while boosting antiviral defenses. The researchers will test this approach in laboratory and animal models of influenza to see if it reduces lung damage, prevents cytokine storms, and improves antibody responses, including when given later in infection. They will also look at whether the IL-2 approach can be used alongside vaccines to broaden and strengthen flu immunity. Results will help determine whether this therapy should move into future human safety and effectiveness studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People hospitalized with severe influenza or at high risk of ARDS from respiratory viruses, especially those with strong inflammatory responses, would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People with mild or early flu, non-viral respiratory illnesses, or those with medical reasons to avoid immune-modulating treatments are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce life-threatening lung inflammation in severe flu and improve recovery and vaccine protection.
How similar studies have performed: Targeted or low-dose IL-2 therapies have shown promise in other conditions and laboratory studies, but using IL-2 to both limit lung inflammation and boost antiviral immunity in severe flu is a relatively new application.
Where this research is happening
Orlando, United States
- University of Central Florida — Orlando, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strutt, Tara Marlene — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Strutt, Tara Marlene
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.