Allergy-triggered memory immune cells in the lungs and their role in asthma
The Differentiation and Function of heterogeneous populations of Allergen-specific Lung-resident Th2 CD4+ memory cells
Researchers will look at how long-lasting, allergy-specific immune cells in the lungs contribute to asthma flares in people with allergic asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work tracks very small groups of allergy-specific CD4+ memory T cells that stick in the lungs using a specialized lab tool for the common dust-mite protein and a new cell-enrichment method. The team uses both mouse models and samples relevant to people with allergic asthma to see how these lung-resident Th2 cells survive and respond when the allergen returns. They will characterize different functional subgroups of these cells and the signals (like IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-2) that make them active. Understanding these cells could point to new ways to prevent or reduce asthma attacks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with allergic asthma—especially dust-mite–triggered asthma—who can provide samples or come to research visits at the University of Washington.
Not a fit: People whose asthma is not caused by allergies, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than participation in lab-based research, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify targets to reduce or prevent allergy-driven asthma attacks by calming or removing the lung-resident memory cells that drive flares.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human-sample research has shown allergen-specific memory T cells can drive asthma, but this project uses a new tetramer and enrichment method to profile previously hard-to-detect lung-resident Th2 subtypes, so parts are novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pepper, Marion — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Pepper, Marion
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.