The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
Research Project: Exploring Role of Cellular Structure That Engulfs Particles in How Lung Cells Control Flu
Grant Awarded:
Emerging Respiratory Pathogen Award
Research Topic:
basic biologic mechanisms
Research Disease:
influenza
How lung cells handle the influenza (flu) virus is unclear. Influenza infection in immunocompromised patients can cause damage in a number of ways, leading to tissue damage, lung function decline and death. We have identified a novel association between a cellular structure called Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)-specific-autophagy (foreign particle engulfment) response, termed ER-phagy, as a regulator of influenza in lung epithelial cells. We will investigate the lung cell ER-Phagy in flu clearance and reducing lung damage. Our findings will provide novel insights into how lung cells control flu burden via ER-phagy, potentially acting as the first line of defense.