How extracellular DNA triggers neutrophil-driven severe asthma
Official title: DNA induction of neutrophilic asthma
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-11158973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether DNA released in the airways and related immune signals cause severe neutrophilic asthma in people with asthma that is not helped by standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165922-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with severe or hard-to-control asthma characterized by airway neutrophilia or frequent exacerbations—particularly after respiratory infections—would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose asthma is mild, well-controlled, or driven mainly by eosinophils/allergic mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will measure extracellular DNA and activation of the DNA sensor IFI16 and related signals in airway samples from people with neutrophilic asthma. They will combine those human sample studies with mouse experiments where DNA is given in airways to see if it causes neutrophil-predominant inflammation and which immune pathways (like IFI16-STING and certain IL10-suppressing TNF family proteins) are required. The goal is to trace a self-perpetuating loop of DNA and neutrophil activity that could explain why some people get severe, steroid-unresponsive asthma exacerbations, especially after viral infections. Results could point to specific immune targets for new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets for new, more effective treatments for severe neutrophilic asthma that currently lacks safe, effective options.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked extracellular DNA to virus-triggered asthma exacerbations and implicated STING/IFI16 signaling in experimental models, but applying these findings to targeted therapies for neutrophilic asthma is largely novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alam, Rafeul — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Alam, Rafeul
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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.