How airway cells release IL-33 during allergies
Mechanisms of IL-33 secretion in allergic diseases
This work looks at how airway lining cells release a signaling protein called IL-33 that can drive allergic reactions in people with asthma and other airway allergies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285317 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have asthma or other airway allergies, researchers are studying how the cells that line your airways respond to common allergens like mold (Alternaria) and house dust mite. They examine how these exposures cause the airway cells to release acetylcholine and ATP, raise calcium inside cells, and then push IL-33 out of the cell nucleus into the airways. Experiments use human airway epithelial cells and complementary animal and laboratory models to trace the sequence of molecular events. The team is also testing whether blocking specific receptors on airway cells (for example, M3 muscarinic receptors) can prevent ATP release and stop IL-33 from being secreted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people with asthma or allergic airway disease, especially those whose symptoms are triggered by molds or house dust mites.
Not a fit: People with non-airway allergic conditions or non–type 2 (non-eosinophilic) forms of airway disease may be less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent IL-33 release and reduce allergic airway inflammation and asthma symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that blocking M3 receptors can reduce ATP release and IL-33 secretion in airway cells, but translating these mechanisms into effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Mayo Clinic Arizona — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kita, Hirohito — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Kita, Hirohito
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.