Understanding how immune cells behave in the nasal mucosa
Official title: Neutrophil Dynamics in Nasal Mucosa
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11019725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your nose help fight off infections from the air, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our bodies respond to germs, especially when we’re sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 3, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $668,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175379-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with recurrent respiratory infections, allergies, or other nasal mucosa-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to nasal mucosa function or those who do not experience respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of immune cells, particularly neutrophils, in the nasal mucosa, which plays a crucial role in defending against airborne infections. By using a novel intravital microscopy model, the study aims to observe how these immune cells respond to various pathogens and how they are regulated in both healthy and diseased states. The findings could provide insights into the immune mechanisms at play in the nasal cavity, which is often the first site of infection. This research could ultimately lead to better strategies for preventing and treating respiratory infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune responses in the nasal mucosa, leading to improved treatments for respiratory infections and allergies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses in different tissues, but this specific focus on the nasal mucosa is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Andrian, Ulrich H — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Von Andrian, Ulrich 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.