Understanding how immune responses affect children with viral pneumonia
Official title: Elucidating the role of type I interferon signaling and macrophage-derived inflammation in the juvenile host with viral pneumonia
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11021042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how kids' immune systems fight off viral pneumonia, using young mice to understand why some children get really sick from respiratory viruses like the flu, with the hope of finding better treatments to help them recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,064 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168672-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who are experiencing viral pneumonia, particularly those without significant co-morbidities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or significant co-morbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to viral pneumonia in children, particularly focusing on the role of type I interferon signaling and inflammation from macrophages. The study uses juvenile mice to explore how age-related differences in immune responses can lead to severe illness from respiratory viruses like influenza. By examining the recruitment of immune cells and their activation during infection, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to respiratory failure in young patients. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for children suffering from viral pneumonia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce hospitalization rates and improve survival for children with viral pneumonia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune responses can improve outcomes in similar conditions, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coates, Bria M — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Coates, Bria M
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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.