A protein called Cul5 controls lung immune cells during worm (helminth) infections
Cul5 regulates lung ILC2 cells during helminth infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · NIH-11231666
This work looks at whether Cul5 helps keep a type of lung immune cell from causing damaging inflammation during worm infections and allergic lung conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231666 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using laboratory experiments in cells and animal models to study a specific lung immune cell type called ILC2 that responds during helminth (worm) infection and allergic reactions. They focus on an E3 ubiquitin ligase protein called Cul5 and how it limits signaling through the IL-18 receptor on a subset of ILC2s. The team will measure how changes in Cul5 affect ILC2 numbers, their movement into lung tissue, and whether they trigger recruitment of tissue-damaging neutrophils. Findings will clarify how distinct ILC2 subsets are controlled and may point to ways to prevent harmful lung inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by helminth infections that involve lung transit or patients with type-2-driven allergic lung diseases (for example allergic asthma) are the populations most likely to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients with non-type-2 lung conditions or lung problems caused by structural disease, infection unrelated to helminths, or non-inflammatory causes are unlikely to benefit directly in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new molecular targets to prevent or reduce lung inflammation from worm infections or certain allergic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work has shown ILC2s and IL-18-related pathways are important in type 2 lung responses, but targeting Cul5 is a novel approach that has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: OLIVER, PAULA MARIA — CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA
- Study coordinator: OLIVER, PAULA MARIA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Allergic Disease