Epigenetic modifiers of regulatory T cell function following viral pneumonia

Respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19 cause viral pneumonia and result in tremendous morbidity and mortality among older patients. A specialized subset of T cells known as regulatory T cells promotes resolution of lung inflammation and repair of lung damage following viral infection in the young but fails to do so in older hosts. By studying how hallmark aging processes control the function of regulatory T cells, we will uncover fundamental mechanisms of recovery from viral pneumonia, which will lead to novel therapies that extend the health-span of our increasingly older population.