How air pollution causes inflammation in the heart and lungs
Project 1 for the Air pollution disrupts Inflammasome Regulation in HEart And Lung Total Health (AIRHEALTH) Study
This project looks at whether tiny air pollution particles trigger immune signals that harm the lungs and heart, especially in people with asthma or other lung conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169792 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how fine particles in air pollution (PM2.5) may activate immune pathways like the inflammasome and the cytokine IL-1β that damage both lungs and the heart. Researchers will analyze blood and cellular samples and use advanced lab methods such as ATAC-seq and epigenetic tests to see how pollution changes immune cells. The team will also measure oxidative stress and other pathways to build a complete picture of biological effects. Results are intended to link exposure levels to measurable biological changes that could become biomarkers or targets for protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who live or work in areas with high air pollution exposure, especially those with asthma or other chronic lung conditions.
Not a fit: People without meaningful exposure to air pollution or whose health problems are unrelated to inflammation are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological markers and pathways that lead to new ways to prevent or reduce pollution-related lung and heart damage.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have linked PM2.5 to inflammation and epigenetic changes, but combining inflammasome/IL-1β signaling with epigenetics across both heart and lung is a newer, more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nadeau, Kari C. — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Nadeau, Kari C.
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.