Vaping may weaken lung immunity and increase infection risk
Official title: Vaping has an immunosuppressive effect, rendering the lung more susceptible to microbial infections
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-10937440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in e-cigarette vapor might affect lung health and make people more prone to lung infections, using both human cells and mice to see how the immune system reacts and if there's any lung damage, so we can better understand the risks of vaping compared to regular smoking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16HL178696-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use e-cigarettes and may be experiencing respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes or have pre-existing severe lung conditions unrelated to vaping may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to e-cigarette vapor affects lung health, particularly its impact on the immune system. By using human bronchial epithelial cells and a mouse model, the study aims to understand how vaping may lead to increased susceptibility to lung infections. The researchers will analyze immune cell responses and lung damage following exposure to e-cigarette aerosol, providing insights into the health risks associated with vaping. The findings could help clarify the potential dangers of e-cigarettes compared to traditional smoking.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for lung diseases related to vaping.
How similar studies have gone: While research on traditional smoking is extensive, studies specifically addressing the effects of e-cigarettes on lung health are still emerging, making this research relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Onyenwoke, Rob U — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Onyenwoke, Rob U
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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.