Understanding how influenza may protect against severe malaria-related lung issues in mice
Official title: Elucidating influenza-induced protection of malaria-associated respiratory distress syndrome in mice
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11080148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having the flu might actually help protect against serious lung problems caused by malaria, and it's aimed at finding new ways to treat people who are dealing with these tough health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 24, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $224,070 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185994-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of severe malaria complications, particularly those with a history of malaria infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have malaria or are not at risk for malaria-related respiratory distress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which influenza co-infection may prevent severe lung complications associated with malaria, specifically malaria-associated respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS) and malaria-associated acute lung injury (MA-ALI). The study focuses on understanding how influenza modifies the behavior of certain immune cells and blood vessel cells in the lungs, which could lead to new treatment strategies for these serious conditions. By using a mouse model, researchers aim to uncover the molecular interactions that provide this protective effect, potentially paving the way for innovative therapies for patients suffering from malaria-related lung injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe malaria-related respiratory conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using influenza to protect against malaria-related lung issues is novel, similar studies have shown that co-infections can influence disease outcomes in various contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamb, Tracey Jane — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Lamb, Tracey Jane
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How influenza may protect against malaria-related lung failure
Researchers are testing whether a prior influenza infection can change lung cells and immune cells to stop severe malaria from causing life-threatening lung injury.
-
Creating vaccines for influenza and other infectious diseases
This study is all about creating new vaccines to help protect people from the flu and other infections, so patients can look forward to better options for staying healthy.
-
Creating vaccines for human trials against influenza and other infectious diseases
This study is working on creating new vaccines to help protect people from flu and other infectious diseases, including those that could be used in harmful situations, so that everyone can have safer and more effective options to stay healthy.
-
Digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia to improve outbreak detection
A collaboration to add a malaria-specific digital module to an existing surveillance system in Africa to help detect and respond to outbreaks faster.
-
Cross-sector partnership uses digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia
A US-based team will adapt and test a digital malaria surveillance module in SORMAS to help detect and respond to malaria outbreaks in Ethiopia.
-
Malaria control project in Western Kenya to reduce illness and deaths
A large, multi-year effort in western Kenya will help track malaria spread and test ways to prevent transmission so fewer people get sick or die.
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.