Jenna Guthmiller, PhD

Research Project:
Preventing Influenza Infection Sequelae

Grant Awarded:

Emerging Respiratory Pathogen Award

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
immunology immunotherapy

Research Diseases:

influenza
pneumonia
respiratory viruses

The degree of viral control within the nose can determine whether a respiratory pathogen (microorganism) is cleared or disseminates into the lungs to cause severe disease. This is particularly true for influenza viruses, including both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses. These particular viruses primarily cause infection in the upper respiratory tract but can also spread to the lungs, leading to life-threatening primary viral pneumonia or creating a niche for secondary bacterial pneumonia. In this study, we will determine how influenza virus infection and vaccination can drive protective immunity in the nose and how this immunity can protect from viral and bacterial infections in the lung. The significance of our study is that it will uncover how host immunity can arrest viral infection in the nose and reveal strategies, including mucosal vaccines, to achieve this immunity.

Page last updated: September 22, 2026

Jenna Guthmiller, PhD

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