How airway brush cells help regulate lung function and respond to irritants
Official title: Interoceptive functions of airway brush cells
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11064874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in your lungs called brush cells to see how they help your body react to irritants and stay healthy, which could lead to new treatments for breathing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $204,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES036349-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064874 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from acute or chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those without any airway-related symptoms may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specialized cells in the airways, known as brush cells, which are believed to play a crucial part in how our lungs respond to irritants and maintain proper function. The study will explore how these cells activate sensory nerves and contribute to immune responses, particularly in the context of respiratory diseases. By understanding the mechanisms behind brush cell activation and their communication with nerve cells, the research aims to uncover how dysfunction in these cells may lead to respiratory symptoms. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for airway-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing respiratory diseases by targeting the functions of airway brush cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of sensory nerves in respiratory function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Canning, Brendan J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Canning, Brendan J
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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.