How airway nerves affect cough, asthma, and COPD
Neurobiology of the Bronchopulmonary System
Researchers are studying how nerve signals and inflammation change airway nerves to better understand cough, asthma, and COPD in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306597 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how inflammatory chemicals and viral infections change the sensory C-fibers and other nerves in the airways that control cough, airway narrowing, and secretions. Scientists will use animal and cellular experiments informed by prior clinical findings to identify which autacoids, cytokines, and ion channels (including specific sodium channel subtypes) activate these nerves. The team will also examine whether viral infections during early-life 'critical periods' cause lasting neuroplastic changes that could underlie chronic airway sensitivity. Findings will be connected back to human airway diseases like asthma, chronic cough, and COPD to guide future clinical approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with asthma, chronic unexplained cough, or COPD could be the most relevant candidates for future related clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose breathing problems are due primarily to structural lung damage or non-nerve causes may not see direct benefit from nerve-focused advances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that reduce excessive cough and airway sensitivity by targeting nerve pathways in asthma and COPD.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic and some clinical studies have shown nerve involvement in cough and asthma, but effective nerve-targeting therapies remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Undem, Bradley Joel — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Undem, Bradley Joel
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.