Understanding how flu makes people vulnerable to a serious lung fungus
Influenza Attenuates Innate Pulmonary Host Defense against Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
This research explores why having the flu can make some people more likely to get a dangerous fungal lung infection called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123255 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe, life-threatening lung infection caused by a common fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, which can be inhaled into the lungs. We know that over 200,000 cases of this infection happen each year, and a recent discovery shows that having the flu can increase a critically ill patient's risk. This project aims to uncover the specific ways that a flu infection weakens the body's natural defenses, making it harder to fight off this fungal invader. By understanding these processes, we hope to find new ways to protect patients from this serious complication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced severe influenza and are at risk for or have developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis may find this research relevant.
Not a fit: Individuals without a history of influenza or invasive pulmonary aspergillosis are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies to prevent severe fungal lung infections in patients who have had the flu.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between influenza and increased risk for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a newly identified risk factor, preliminary data supports the approach of investigating immune system changes.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Keven Mara — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Keven Mara
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.