Changing an airway protein (syndecan-1) to help steroid-resistant asthma
Modulation of airway epithelial syndecan-1 in a preclinical model of steroid-resistant asthma
This work looks at whether altering a protein on airway cells called syndecan-1 can reduce harmful inflammation in people with steroid-resistant asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11270635 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will use lab-grown airway cells and animal models to study how syndecan-1 on airway surfaces influences severe, steroid-resistant asthma. They will test approaches to stop syndecan-1 from being cut off airway cells—including blocking the enzyme heparanase and using a compound related to capsaicin—to see if the airway barrier and inflammation improve. The team will measure signaling molecules like IL-17A, airway neutrophils, and features of epithelial injury to see whether these interventions reduce steroid-resistant inflammation. Findings could point toward drug strategies that restore barrier function and lower neutrophilic airway inflammation that does not respond to steroids.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe allergic asthma that does not respond well to inhaled or systemic steroids—particularly those with neutrophil-predominant, IL-17A–linked inflammation—would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People whose asthma is well controlled by standard steroid-based treatments or whose symptoms are driven by classic eosinophilic/T2 mechanisms are less likely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets or drug approaches to reduce steroid-resistant airway inflammation and improve breathing in people with severe asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies and early-phase work on heparanase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory TRPV1 effects have shown promise, but applying these strategies to syndecan-1 in steroid-resistant asthma is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poynter, Matthew E — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Poynter, Matthew E
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.