Understanding how different types of lung immune cells protect against infections
Official title: The role of pathogen-experienced macrophage subsets in mediating lung immunity and heterologous protection
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10888394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of immune cells in the lungs help protect us from infections like COVID-19, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies fight off viruses while keeping our lungs healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 14, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $773,368 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI169770-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of lung infections or those at risk for respiratory diseases, particularly related to COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of lung infections or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of various macrophage subsets in the lungs and how they contribute to immunity against infections, particularly those caused by viruses like COVID-19. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these immune cells respond to pathogens while preserving lung function. By examining the differences between macrophages that originate from embryonic precursors and those derived from blood, the research seeks to clarify their distinct functions in fighting infections and maintaining tissue health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for lung infections, enhancing patient recovery and lung health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in the lungs, but this specific investigation into macrophage heterogeneity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rivera, Amariliz — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rivera, Amariliz
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.