GLP-1 receptor agonists as immune targets to treat asthma in lean and obese adults
Official title: GLP-1R agonist immune targets in lean and obesity-associated asthma
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11616517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how GLP-1R‑agonist diabetes medicines may directly calm immune cells to reduce asthma in adults who are lean or obese.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $370,496 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI182159-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11616517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with asthma, including those who are lean or obese, who may benefit from GLP-1R-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose asthma mechanisms do not involve GLP-1 signaling or who cannot tolerate GLP-1R drugs may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research looks at how GLP-1 receptor signaling affects immune cells involved in asthma, including T cells and platelets, to explain how these diabetes medicines could help control airway inflammation. It combines lab studies with clinical samples to identify direct immune targets of GLP-1R agonists. The project will explore two main aims: how GLP-1 signaling modulates platelet-derived T2 and non-T2 inflammation, and how it affects CD4+ T cell function in asthma. Findings could guide the repurposing of GLP-1R agonists for asthmatic patients regardless of weight status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new asthma treatments that use existing GLP-1R drugs to reduce airway inflammation in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest GLP-1 signaling can regulate human immune cells and reduce inflammation, supporting potential efficacy in asthma.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cahill, Katherine N — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cahill, Katherine N
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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.