How fungal allergies can make asthma worse
Immunopathogenesis in fungal asthma
This work looks at how enzymes and immune responses tied to fungal allergy can worsen asthma for people who are sensitized to fungi.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289465 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have asthma related to fungal allergy, this research uses mouse models and genetic tools to find which immune molecules and blood cells drive worse breathing problems. Scientists compare normal mice to animals lacking the enzyme 12/15-LOX and measure airway reactivity, levels of inflammatory lipids like leukotrienes and 12-HETE, and changes in immune cell types after exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus. They also use bone marrow chimera experiments and a 12/15-LOX reporter mouse to trace which hematopoietic cells cause harmful inflammation. The goal is to connect these findings to existing leukotriene-targeting drugs and to identify new targets to reduce severe fungal-sensitized asthma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with asthma who are sensitized or allergic to fungi (for example Aspergillus fumigatus) and who have severe or uncontrolled symptoms are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose asthma is not related to fungal allergy or whose symptoms are already well controlled by current therapies are less likely to benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new or improved treatments that reduce severe asthma attacks in people allergic to fungi by blocking 12/15-LOX–related inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block leukotriene pathways (like montelukast and zileuton) help some patients, but targeting 12/15-LOX is a newer approach chiefly tested in animal models so far.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steele, Chad — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Steele, Chad
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.