Blocking a protein to reduce allergic responses in children
Official title: Inhibiting CD4+ Th2 development and function by CFTR activity
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11042218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CFTR affects the immune system in kids with asthma and allergies, hoping to find new ways to help them avoid bad allergic reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 22, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,676 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI181763-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who suffer from asthma or other allergic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have allergic diseases or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein affects the immune response in children with allergic diseases, particularly asthma. By studying how CFTR influences the development of specific immune cells called CD4+ T cells, the researchers aim to understand how to reduce harmful allergic reactions. The study uses animal models to explore the relationship between CFTR activity and allergic inflammation, focusing on the role of CFTR in regulating T helper 2 (Th2) cell responses. If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help manage or prevent severe allergic reactions in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic strategies to reduce allergic inflammation and improve the quality of life for children suffering from asthma and related allergic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune responses can effectively reduce allergic reactions, suggesting that this approach may also yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook, Daniel Paul — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Cook, Daniel Paul
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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.