How a blood protein (eNAMPT) and immune signaling harm blood vessels in severe lung failure (ARDS)
Role of Endothelial eNAMPT/NAMPT secretion and TLR4 signaling in the ARDS Vascular Endotype
Looks at whether blocking a blood protein called eNAMPT can reduce blood-vessel inflammation and leakage in people with severe lung failure (ARDS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193838 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called eNAMPT that is released into the blood during severe lung injury and may drive blood-vessel inflammation and leakage. Researchers measure eNAMPT levels in patient blood samples and use animal models (mice, rats, pigs) to test how eNAMPT and its signaling through TLR4 cause lung vascular injury. They test whether neutralizing eNAMPT or interrupting its signaling can prevent or reduce lung blood-vessel leak and inflammation in preclinical models. The team aims to link the biomarker findings to possible therapies that could protect blood vessels in ARDS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including ARDS related to infection or mechanical ventilation, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without ARDS or with mild lung injury not driven by vascular inflammation are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce lung blood-vessel leak and inflammation and lower ARDS severity and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice, rats, and pigs have shown promising protection from targeting eNAMPT, but human clinical trials are limited or not yet established.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Joe G. N. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Joe G. N.
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.