Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have identified cells that act as gatekeepers of the inflammatory immune response in the lungs following influenza and other respiratory infections.

Now, the researchers are working to translate the findings into possible drugs to preserve lung function.

The work was published Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the journal Nature.

“People who die of the flu often have controlled the virus but have suffered extensive lung damage,” said corresponding author Paul Thomas in St. Jude’s Department of Immunology. “The damage is caused by infiltrating immune cells responding to the infection, but the mechanism involved was unclear.

“By focusing on the interface between the immune response and lung function, we not only identified a mechanism, but also a promising approach to treatment where none currently exists.”

Flu and flu-related pneumonia remain leading causes of death in the U.S.

Existing antiviral drugs like Tamiflu must be given within the first few days of the infection to be most effective. Patients with severe respiratory complications must rely on supportive care, including mechanical ventilators, because no effective treatments exist.