The effects of high carbon dioxide levels on the immune response to infections
Official title: Hypercapnia and Suppression of Antiviral Host Defense
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-10975954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood can weaken the immune system in people with serious lung diseases, which might make them more vulnerable to infections like the flu, and it hopes to find new ways to help these patients stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002350-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, or those experiencing severe respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild respiratory conditions or those not experiencing elevated carbon dioxide levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, known as hypercapnia, affect the body's immune response, particularly in patients with severe lung diseases. It focuses on understanding how hypercapnia suppresses the expression of important antiviral and immune defense genes, which can lead to increased mortality from infections like influenza and bacterial diseases. The study utilizes various models, including human cells and mice, to explore the mechanisms behind this suppression and the role of specific genes in mediating these effects. By identifying these pathways, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response in patients suffering from severe lung diseases, potentially reducing mortality rates from infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that similar approaches to understanding immune suppression in the context of hypercapnia have yielded promising results, indicating potential for breakthroughs in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sporn, Peter H — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sporn, Peter H
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.