Understanding how lung cells respond to injury during respiratory infections

AP-1 as a transcriptional regulator of AT2 cell reversible activation during lung injury response

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10911375

This study looks at how special lung cells help heal damage from respiratory infections like COVID-19, using mice to understand how these cells work during recovery and what changes happen in their genes.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911375 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of alveolar type II (AT2) cells in the lung's response to injury, particularly during respiratory infections like COVID-19. By using a mouse model, the study examines how these stem cells activate to repair lung damage and how they behave during the recovery phase. The researchers utilize advanced techniques such as ATAC-sequencing to analyze the genetic changes in AT2 cells during these processes, aiming to uncover the mechanisms that govern their activation and reversion to a resting state.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced acute lung injury or severe respiratory infections, particularly those related to COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic lung conditions that do not involve acute injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance lung repair mechanisms in patients suffering from severe respiratory infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lung cell behavior during injury, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.