Understanding how the immune system responds to influenza

Regulation of the host immune response to influenza by the checkpoint receptor Tim3

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-10846578

This study is looking at how a part of your immune system called Tim3 helps your body fight off the flu, especially by focusing on a type of immune cell that plays a big role in battling infections, and it hopes to find better ways to treat people who get really sick from the flu.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10846578 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific immune checkpoint receptor, Tim3, in regulating the immune response to influenza. By studying how Tim3 affects the activity of CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting off influenza infections, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies. The approach involves examining the interactions between dendritic cells and T cells in the lungs and lymph nodes to understand how to balance effective viral clearance with minimizing lung injury. This could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from severe influenza.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at high risk for severe influenza, such as those with compromised immune systems or underlying respiratory conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by influenza or those who have already developed severe complications from the virus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune response to influenza, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the virus.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune checkpoint receptors to enhance immune responses, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, 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.
Conditions Infection
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.