How CBD helps immune cells reduce severe lung inflammation in ARDS
Role of Macrophages in CBD mediated attenuation of SEB-induced ARDS
This project looks at whether cannabidiol (CBD) helps immune cells called macrophages calm the dangerous lung inflammation that causes ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132915 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that mimics severe COVID-like lung inflammation by exposing animals to Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) and then treating them with CBD. They analyze lung immune cells with single-cell sequencing to track changes in macrophages, neutrophils, and inflammatory signals after CBD treatment. Initial results showed CBD-treated mice survived while untreated mice did not, and the team will map the cell types and molecular pathways responsible. The aim is to identify immune mechanisms that could guide development of therapies to prevent or reduce ARDS in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with ARDS or those at high risk for ARDS from infections such as COVID-19 would be the population who could benefit in future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People whose lung injury is driven mainly by mechanical causes, chronic non-inflammatory lung disease, or who cannot take cannabinoids may be unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If findings translate to people, they could point to treatments that reduce deadly lung inflammation and improve survival in ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Some animal studies report anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and improved outcomes in models of lung injury, but strong human data for ARDS treatment are still lacking.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of South Carolina at Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Kiesha — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Kiesha
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.