Understanding severe respiratory infections caused by viruses like SARS-CoV-2

Clinical Phenotyping and Human Core

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10910873

This study is looking into why some people with severe pneumonia from viruses like COVID-19 and the flu continue to struggle with organ failure and have a higher risk of dying, by examining lung samples to better understand their immune responses and inflammation, which could help find new ways to improve treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10910873 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by respiratory viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. It aims to investigate why some patients experience persistent organ failure and high mortality rates despite treatment. By analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients, researchers will study immune responses and inflammation in the lungs to identify potential biomarkers and mechanisms of disease. This approach combines patient samples with findings from animal models to enhance understanding of the disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with severe pneumonia caused by influenza or SARS-CoV-2 who require intubation.

Not a fit: Patients with mild respiratory infections or those not requiring hospitalization may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and outcomes for patients suffering from severe respiratory infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in severe respiratory infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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 Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress SyndromeAirway infections
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.