Why some flu-infected lung cells die while others survive
Analysis of the heterogeneity of cell death responses in the influenza virus-infected cells
['FUNDING_R21'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11269200
This project looks at how lung cells respond differently to influenza so researchers can find ways to prevent the harmful cell death that leads to severe flu complications.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11269200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine infected lung cells to see which cells die and which survive, and why that happens. They will use detailed molecular analyses to track the gene activity and death pathways in individual infected cells. The team aims to identify surviving “persister” cells and the signals that separate helpful immune responses from damaging cell loss. Findings will guide lab efforts to protect lung function without stopping the body from clearing the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People hospitalized with severe influenza or those willing to donate respiratory or lung samples for research would be the most relevant participants or contributors.
Not a fit: People without influenza or those with only mild illness are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that protect lung cells and reduce severe lung failure from influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have identified multiple cell-death pathways and surviving ‘persister’ cells in flu infection, but turning those findings into patient therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEGTEREV, ALEXEI — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: DEGTEREV, ALEXEI
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.