Understanding how a specific protein affects lung inflammation and immune responses to viruses
Novel role for protein kinase D in airway inflammation and antiviral immunity
This study is looking at how a protein called PKD helps your immune system fight off respiratory viruses, which can make you really sick, by seeing how it affects the way your body responds when these viruses infect your lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10817178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of protein kinase D (PKD) in the body's immune response to respiratory viruses, which are significant causes of illness and death. The study focuses on how PKD influences the signaling pathways that activate immune responses when viruses infect lung cells. By using advanced techniques like targeted siRNA knock-down and genetically modified mice, researchers aim to uncover how PKD3 specifically affects the expression of immune-related genes and the recruitment of immune cells to the lungs during viral infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with respiratory conditions or those at high risk for severe viral infections, such as the elderly or immunocompromised patients.
Not a fit: Patients with non-respiratory viral infections or those without any underlying lung conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response to respiratory viruses, potentially reducing illness and improving recovery times for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to respiratory viruses, but the specific role of PKD in this context is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Georas, Steve N — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Georas, Steve N
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.