Understanding how lung cells affect pneumonia after influenza infections
Official title: Functions and Mechanisms of Lung Microfold cells during Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10984196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special lung cells might make it easier for bacteria to cause pneumonia after someone has the flu, and it aims to find ways to help prevent this serious infection in people recovering from influenza.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $171,450 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL171884-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced influenza infections and are at risk for subsequent bacterial pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had influenza or are not at risk for pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specialized lung cells, known as Microfold (M) cells, in the context of pneumonia that can occur after influenza infections. The study focuses on how these cells may contribute to the increased risk of bacterial infections, particularly from Streptococcus pneumoniae, during and after influenza outbreaks. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomic analysis, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow these cells to facilitate bacterial invasion and persistence in the lungs. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for preventing severe pneumonia in patients recovering from influenza.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for pneumonia in patients recovering from influenza.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the role of immune cells in respiratory infections, but the specific focus on lung M cells in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surve, Manalee V — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Surve, Manalee V
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.