Blocking a protein that weakens lung defenses in ARDS
E3 Ligase-Mediated Immunosuppression in Acute Lung Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11141825
This work uses a new small-molecule drug to block a protein called Fbxo24 and help the lungs' immune and repair responses in people with acute lung injury/ARDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers found that a protein called Fbxo24 destroys a protective lung protein named ELF2, which helps lung cells fight infection and repair themselves. They designed a small-molecule antagonist that restores ELF2 levels and tested it in lab and animal models of acute lung injury. The team will use genetic mouse models and molecular experiments to confirm how Fbxo24 causes immune suppression and whether blocking it improves lung cell survival and innate immunity. Results are meant to guide future human trials and new treatments for ARDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults hospitalized with acute lung injury or ARDS, especially those with evidence of impaired lung epithelial immune responses, would be the most likely candidates for follow-up clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without acute lung injury/ARDS or whose respiratory failure is caused primarily by non-epithelial mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking Fbxo24 could strengthen lung epithelial immune defenses and improve recovery and survival for patients with ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel: preclinical lab and animal studies showed that blocking Fbxo24 restores protective ELF2 and immune responses, but it has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MALLAMPALLI, RAMA K — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MALLAMPALLI, RAMA K
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: Acute Lung Injury, Acute Pulmonary Injury, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome