FOXP3 protein variant linked to worse, long-lasting asthma
FOXP3 ΔE2 isoform in asthma severity and persistence
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11325010
This project explores whether a specific version of the FOXP3 protein in immune cells makes allergic asthma more severe and likely to persist.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325010 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using specially engineered mice that mimic a human FOXP3 variant missing exon 2 to see how this change affects airway inflammation. They will compare mice that express only the full-length FOXP3 protein to mice expressing the FOXP3 ΔE2 variant after repeated allergen exposure. The team will track immune cell behavior, including whether regulatory T cells become unstable and produce inflammatory signals like IL-4 and IL-9. Results are intended to link this FOXP3 variant to persistent, severe asthma and help guide future patient tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with allergic asthma, especially those with persistent or severe symptoms, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without asthma or whose breathing problems are driven by non-allergic causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could point to new biomarkers or treatments that reduce severe or long-lasting allergic asthma by targeting FOXP3 isoform balance.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal experiments, including these engineered mouse models, have shown the FOXP3 ΔE2 variant can worsen allergic airway inflammation, but translating this to people is still novel.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHOU, BAOHUA — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: ZHOU, BAOHUA
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: Allergic Disease