Pankaj Baral, PhD
Kansas State University
Research Project:
Neuroimmune Regulation of Influenza A Infection and Viral Pneumonia
Grant Awarded:
- COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research Award
Research Topics:
- basic biologic mechanisms
- immunology immunotherapy
- pathology
Research Diseases:
- ARDS
- influenza
- pneumonia
- respiratory viruses
Influenza A virus is the major causes of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),and is among the leading causes of death globally. The respiratory tract has nerves that recognize and respond to the environmental dangers including respiratory pathogens. Nerve terminals that are part of the sympathetic nervous system (a network of nerves that helps the body activate its “fight-or-flight” response) in the lung release the chemical norepinephrine (NE). We do not yet understand the role of sympathetic neurons and NE in lung inflammation and the body’s responses to influenza A infections. We will investigate how sympathetic neurons and their signaling to immune cells regulate inflammation, airway barrier permeability, and infection outcomes during viral pneumonia. The findings could pave the way for new therapy strategies for fatal pneumonia, and ALI/ARDS for influenza A and COVID-19.
Update:
Using a mouse influenza pneumonia model, we found important connections between sympathetic neurons and immune cells in boosting antiviral lung immunity against influenza. We also saw neuron-related antiviral responses in neonatal mouse infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the single most common cause of acute bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children, accounting for more than 30 million cases annually. Our research lays a strong foundation for the idea of targeting sympathetic neurons or their signaling pathway to immune cells for potential new treatments for viral pneumonia.
Page last updated: September 17, 2024
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