Using repair-focused immune cells to help lungs recover after severe viral pneumonia
Mechanisms of regulatory T cell-mediated recovery from severe viral pneumonia
Whether regulatory T cells can help lungs heal in people with severe viral pneumonia and ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045992 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one develops severe viral pneumonia that leads to ARDS, researchers behind this work are studying a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells that appear in injured lungs. They are looking at patient lung and blood samples and laboratory models to understand how these cells' metabolism and gene patterns control repair. The team is also testing ways to make lab-grown regulatory T cells more stable and functional so they could someday be given back to patients. The goal is to find approaches that speed lung healing and reduce time spent in the ICU.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with severe viral pneumonia who develop ARDS and are being treated in hospital or ICU settings.
Not a fit: People with mild respiratory infections, lung problems not caused by severe viral pneumonia, or those not hospitalized for ARDS are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new cell-based treatments that speed lung repair, shorten ICU stays, and reduce complications from ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown regulatory T cells can promote lung repair, but human cell therapy approaches are still early and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Benjamin David — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Singer, Benjamin David
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.