Ciliated nasal cells and bitter taste receptors in CF and CRS
Official title: Ciliated cell bitter taste receptors in cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11295042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how taste receptors in nasal ciliated cells help fight infections in cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis, aiming to boost natural defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $609,027 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178613-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic rhinosinusitis or cystic fibrosis who have or carry TAS2R gene variations affecting bitter taste receptor function.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without CF or CRS, or those whose TAS2R variations do not impact airway defenses, may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH-funded project looks at how bitter taste receptors on nasal ciliated cells detect bacterial stories and trigger nitric oxide production to improve mucus clearance and bacteria kill-off. By examining how these receptors work in CF and CRS, the study seeks ways to enhance this natural defense pathway, potentially reducing infection risk. The work involves laboratory studies on human airway cells and may connect genetic differences in TAS2R38 to infection susceptibility. The goal is to identify strategies to boost T2R signaling or target downstream processes to benefit CF and CRS patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to therapies that strengthen the airway’s innate defenses against infections in CF and CRS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Existing data show that T2R signaling can modulate airway immunity, but targeted therapies remain exploratory and need further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Robert J. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lee, Robert J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blocking CFTR in the cervix to prevent conception without hormones
A non-hormonal approach aims to stop sperm from entering the uterus by making cervical mucus too thick for sperm, potentially offering a new contraception option.
-
Optimizing Treatments for People with Cystic Fibrosis on Highly Effective Modulator Therapy
A real-world study in people with cystic fibrosis on highly effective CFTR modulator therapy to understand how traditional CF treatments can be adjusted safely.
-
Elastin-like particles to deliver gene therapies for cystic fibrosis
A new nanoparticle system is being developed to deliver genetic therapies directly to the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, including those with nonsense mutations.
-
Pharmacogenomic Predictors of Clinical Responses in Cystic Fibrosis using Targeted WGS
A study looking at how genetic information from whole-genome sequencing can predict how people with cystic fibrosis respond to medications, using a focused set of pharmacogenomic genes.
-
Ceftaroline-meropenem combo to beat MRSA in cystic fibrosis
A new combination antibiotic approach is being tested to help people with cystic fibrosis who have MRSA infections that resist standard treatments.
-
Gut microbiome in cystic fibrosis and colorectal cancer risk
Researchers are studying how the gut bacteria in adults with cystic fibrosis influence the development of colorectal cancer.
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.