Understanding how immune and epithelial cells interact in older adults after viral pneumonia
Official title: Immune-epithelial progenitor interactions drive age-associated dysplastic lung repair post viral pneumonia
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10929396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and lung cells work together to help older adults, especially those 65 and up, recover from viral pneumonia like COVID-19, to better understand why some people have ongoing lung problems after their infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,001 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170746-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have experienced viral pneumonia, particularly due to COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those who have not had a recent viral pneumonia infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactions between immune cells and epithelial progenitor cells affect lung repair in older adults following viral pneumonia, particularly from infections like COVID-19. The study focuses on individuals aged 65 and older, who are at a higher risk for severe outcomes and chronic lung issues after respiratory infections. By examining the immune responses and cellular changes in the lungs, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to long-term complications, known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). The methodology includes analyzing tissue samples and immune responses to better understand the dysregulation that occurs with aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for older adults suffering from chronic lung issues after viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses in older adults after viral infections, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narasimhan, Harish — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Narasimhan, Harish
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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.