Understanding how vimentin affects the body's response to influenza A pneumonia
Project 1: Vimentin regulates host response and repair mechanisms to influenza A viral pneumonia
This study is looking at how a protein called vimentin affects the immune response and healing in the lungs during influenza A pneumonia, and it aims to find out if changing vimentin can help reduce inflammation and improve recovery for people with this viral infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10910886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of vimentin in the immune response to influenza A viral pneumonia, particularly how it influences inflammation and lung tissue repair. By studying immune cells called monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages, the researchers aim to understand how vimentin affects the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is crucial for the inflammatory response. The study involves using advanced techniques in mice to explore whether modifying vimentin can help reduce persistent inflammation and improve lung recovery after viral infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing severe pneumonia caused by influenza A or similar viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients with pneumonia caused by non-viral pathogens or those who do not have acute respiratory distress syndrome may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung repair and reduce inflammation in patients suffering from severe viral pneumonia.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting inflammatory pathways in viral pneumonia, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ridge, Karen M — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ridge, Karen M
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 below.