Experts explore the connection between lung mechanics and viral infections

Rochester, New York – A team of researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is exploring how mechanical forces, such as tissue stretching and stiffness, influence viral infections in the lungs. This unique study merges virology and mechanobiology, two fields that traditionally have not been studied together, in an effort to improve understanding of disease progression and develop better treatments.

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The research is being led by RIT professors Karin Wuertz-Kozak, a bioengineer, and Maureen Ferran, a virologist. With support from a National Science Foundation grant, they are examining how lung tissue mechanics impact viral pathogenesis. Their findings could provide insights into new treatment strategies for lung diseases and viral infections.

The Role of Mechanical Forces in Viral Infections

Mechanical forces play a crucial role in lung function. Breathing naturally involves the stretching of lung tissue, while diseases such as lung fibrosis can lead to changes in tissue stiffness. These mechanical signals can influence cellular behavior, which may impact how viruses infect and spread within lung tissue.

“The concept of mechanobiology is about trying to understand how mechanical signals change the behavior of a cell,” said Wuertz-Kozak. “Typically, someone studying mechanical forces like stretching or stiffness would not be the same person studying virus progression, and vice versa. This project allows us to merge both perspectives.”

By studying lung fibroblasts under varying mechanical conditions, the researchers hope to uncover how different tissue environments affect viral infections. This could reveal previously unknown pathways that either enhance or suppress viral activity, opening doors for new treatment approaches.

Bridging the Gap Between Virology and Mechanobiology

Ferran, a professor in RIT’s Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, brings her expertise in genetics and immune response to the project. Her work in the Viral Genetics Lab focuses on using viruses as tools for cancer therapy, examining immune responses, and studying age-related diseases.

“Our findings may ultimately help guide physicians when advising patients on exercise during a viral infection,” said Ferran. “Exercise leads to increased breathing frequency and increased mechanical forces on lung tissue. By understanding how these forces affect infection progression of lung cells, we can recommend strategies that minimize complications and potentially improve recovery.”

On the engineering side, Wuertz-Kozak leads the Tissue Regeneration and Mechanobiology Lab at RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Her research focuses on tissue regeneration and pain reduction, making her well-equipped to study how lung tissues respond to different mechanical stimuli.

Implications for Treatment and Prevention

Understanding the interplay between mechanical forces and viral infections could have far-reaching implications. If researchers determine that specific mechanical conditions either enhance or suppress viral activity, this knowledge could be used to develop therapies that alter tissue mechanics to slow down infections. Additionally, this research could help refine medical recommendations regarding physical activity for patients with respiratory illnesses.

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By bridging the gap between mechanobiology and virology, this study has the potential to revolutionize the way scientists approach lung disease treatment. The results may not only provide answers to long-standing questions about disease progression but also pave the way for new strategies in patient care and recovery.

As the study progresses, the researchers hope to shed light on how mechanical forces shape viral behavior in lung tissue, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for those affected by respiratory diseases.