How cell damage in the lung sparks allergy-like immune reactions
Cell lysis-induced leukotriene synthesis activates type-2 immunity in the lung
This project looks at how broken lung cells release signals that turn on allergy-related immune cells and may help people with asthma or allergic lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11270646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study which lung cells make signaling molecules called leukotrienes and how those signals, together with IL-33, activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) that drive allergic lung inflammation. The team will focus on alveolar macrophages as a source of leukotriene C4 and use laboratory models and new molecular tools to track how cell lysis releases these signals. They will compare the short-term activation of ILC2s and longer-term effects on airway inflammation after exposure to allergens or parasite-like triggers. Findings will map the chain of events from cell membrane damage to type 2 immune responses in the lung.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with asthma or other allergic lung conditions, especially those who experience frequent flare-ups, would be the patients most likely to benefit from advances stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with non-allergic lung diseases or those seeking immediate therapy may not see direct or immediate benefit because this is laboratory-based, early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce asthma and allergic lung inflammation by blocking the signals released when lung cells are damaged.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows IL-33 and leukotrienes play roles in allergy and asthma and leukotriene-blocking drugs help some patients, but the idea that cell lysis coordinates both signals is a newer concept.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Moltke, Jakob H. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Von Moltke, Jakob H.
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.