Understanding how the body controls immune responses to influenza virus
Official title: Negative regulation of innate immunity in influenza virus infection
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-10984995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body fights off the flu virus, especially focusing on the cells in our airways, to find new ways to boost our immune response and improve treatments and vaccines for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | November 13, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $687,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181368-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at high risk for severe influenza infections, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by influenza or those who have already developed effective immunity to the virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the body regulates its immune response to influenza virus infections. It focuses on the airway epithelium, which serves as the first line of defense against the virus, and aims to identify how negative regulators of the immune response can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. By exploring the molecular pathways involved, the research seeks to develop new strategies to enhance the body's innate immunity against influenza, especially in light of challenges posed by vaccine mismatches and drug-resistant strains. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments and vaccines for influenza.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments and vaccines for influenza, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the virus.
How similar studies have gone: While the regulation of positive immune responses has been well-studied, the exploration of negative regulators in influenza immunity is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jian-Dong — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Li, Jian-Dong
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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.