Understanding immune cells that control lung damage during the flu
Markers and regulation of regulatory CD8+ T cells during influenza-induced lung immunopathology
This work explores how certain immune cells help protect our lungs from severe damage caused by influenza infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110404 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Influenza, or the flu, can cause serious lung problems and even death due to an overactive immune response. While a strong immune system helps clear the virus, it can also lead to harmful inflammation if not properly managed. Our bodies have special immune cells, called regulatory CD8+ T cells, that produce a calming signal (IL-10) to limit this lung damage. This project aims to discover how to identify these important cells and understand how they develop and work, especially during flu-related airway inflammation. We are using advanced techniques and a special mouse model to uncover these molecular secrets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications would target individuals experiencing severe influenza-induced lung complications.
Not a fit: Patients with mild flu symptoms or those without lung immunopathology would likely not benefit from interventions directly stemming from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to control severe lung inflammation during flu infections, potentially improving recovery and survival for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about other types of regulatory T cells, the specific mechanisms of IL-10+ regulatory CD8+ T cells in influenza-induced inflammation are not well understood, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Baton Rouge, United States
- Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge — Baton Rouge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Weishan — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
- Study coordinator: Huang, Weishan
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.