How a specific immune cell helps calm allergic lung inflammation

Immunoregulatory Role of Conventional Dendritic Cell Type 2 in Allergic Lung Inflammation

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11332457

This project looks at how a type of immune cell called CX3CR1+ cDC2 may reduce inflammation in allergic asthma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11332457 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will study a subset of immune cells (CX3CR1+ cDC2) that appear to act differently from other dendritic cells in the lungs. They will compare gene activity in these cells from mouse and human lung samples and use laboratory models to see how the cells change allergic inflammation. The team will test how these cells signal to other immune cells and whether boosting their activity helps the lung recover. Results may point to new ways to encourage natural anti-inflammatory responses in asthma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with allergic asthma or other allergic lung inflammation who can provide samples or participate in related clinic visits would be the most relevant candidates to help this research.

Not a fit: People without allergic asthma (for example, those with non-allergic lung conditions) or those seeking an immediate treatment change are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce asthma-related airway inflammation by enhancing naturally protective immune cells.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work, including the investigators' own studies, supports an anti-inflammatory role for CX3CR1-expressing myeloid cells and lung macrophages, but applying this specifically to CX3CR1+ cDC2 in asthma is a newer area of study.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.