A unifying mucus-driven paradigm for bronchiectasis in adults
Official title: A unifying muco-obstructive paradigm for bronchiectasis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11442862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researchers-led program aims to better understand why bronchiectasis causes chronic cough and lung problems in adults and to explore new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $777,419 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL188423-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11442862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with bronchiectasis who can contribute clinical information and biological samples.
✕Less likely to help
People without bronchiectasis or those unable to provide or share relevant clinical data and samples.
What this research studies
This project focuses on adults with bronchiectasis and looks at how mucus buildup, oxygen levels in the airways, and mouth/throat bacteria interact to drive disease. By combining patient-focused observations with laboratory studies, the team will explore new ideas beyond the traditional “vicious cycle” model. The work includes studying mucus properties, airway cell responses to low oxygen, and how microbes in the airways influence disease. Results could point toward novel therapies that reduce mucus constriction and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that relieve mucus buildup and slow lung function decline in adults with bronchiectasis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has advanced the understanding of mucus and airway pathology in bronchiectasis, but new mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain to be proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Livraghi-Butrico, Alessandra Maria — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Livraghi-Butrico, Alessandra Maria
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-
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-
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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.