Lung Responses to Infection

The airspaces of our lungs are guarded by alveolar macrophages, which are very specialized infection-fighting cells that ingest and kill most inhaled bacteria and release substances that control inflammatory responses in the lungs. However, there are some bacteria that are able to survive and replicate within these alveolar macrophages. These organisms are known as intracellular pathogens. The goal of our research project is to discover why these bacteria are able to infect human alveolar macrophages and what makes alveolar macrophages susceptible to intracellular bacterial infection.

As a part of our study, we ask eligible individuals to undergo a blood draw, COVID-19 test and a bronchoscopy (a procedure to obtain cells from the lungs) at Harborview Medical Center.

Participants will be paid $200 for completing the study visit.

Participant Eligibility

— Between the ages of 18 and 50
— Generally healthy without any chronic medical conditions
— Non-smoker, or have abstained from smoking for at least three months prior to the study visit
— No allergy to lidocaine
— Not on any prescription medication other than birth control
— No vaccinations within the last six weeks
— No recent upper respiratory infection (cold or flu) or antibiotic use within the last 4 weeks
— Not pregnant

Contact

Denise
(206) 637-2585