Understanding how immune responses affect flare-ups in chronic lung disease
Official title: Impaired Pneumococcal Antibody Function and Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11004387 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a weakened immune system can lead to more frequent flare-ups in people with COPD, especially when infections from bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae occur, and it hopes to find ways to better identify and treat those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $161,585 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL157651-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004387 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience frequent exacerbations of COPD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable COPD who do not experience frequent exacerbations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between impaired immune responses and frequent flare-ups in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It focuses on how infections from bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae can trigger these flare-ups and examines specific immune markers in blood samples. By measuring the function of antibodies and genetic variants, the study aims to identify patients at higher risk for exacerbations. This could lead to better-targeted treatments and preventive strategies for those suffering from COPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management and prevention of flare-ups in COPD patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between immune response impairments and exacerbations in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lafon, David Cardy — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lafon, David Cardy
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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.