Understanding Lung Scarring After Viral Infections
Loss of Endothelial S1PR1 Drives Post-Influenza Pulmonary Fibrosis
This research explores how changes in a specific cell signal in the lungs might lead to scarring after severe viral infections like flu or coronavirus, aiming to find new ways to prevent this damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Severe lung infections, like those from influenza or coronaviruses, can sometimes lead to a serious condition called ARDS, where the lungs become very inflamed. For some people, this inflammation can then cause lasting lung scarring, known as pulmonary fibrosis, which makes it hard to breathe. Our team is looking closely at a specific signaling pathway, called S1PR1, within the cells lining the blood vessels of the lungs. We believe that problems with this pathway might contribute to how and why this scarring develops after a viral infection. By understanding this process better, we hope to discover new ways to protect the lungs and prevent long-term damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced severe lung infections, such as from influenza or coronaviruses, and are at risk for or have developed pulmonary fibrosis might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung conditions are not related to post-viral pulmonary fibrosis or the specific cellular pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the severe lung scarring that can follow serious viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: The specific role of the S1PR1 pathway in the fibroproliferative phase of post-viral ARDS is not well understood, suggesting this approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knipe, Rachel S — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Knipe, Rachel S
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.