How GM‑CSF and lung macrophages affect Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections
GM-CSF, macrophages, and susceptibility to Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection
This research looks at whether the immune signal GM‑CSF and different lung immune cells help protect people with chronic airway diseases from Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections.
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 ID | NIH-11331242 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory and animal experiments together with human case data to understand how the immune signal GM‑CSF and different types of lung macrophages respond to Mycobacterium abscessus. The team compares resident alveolar macrophages to recruited monocyte‑derived macrophages and uses mice that lack GM‑CSF to see how loss of this signal changes infection risk. They also study how GM‑CSF activates macrophages to kill the bacteria in cell‑based tests and integrate findings from human reports. The goal is to pinpoint immune steps that could be targeted to boost lung defenses in people with chronic airway disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic airway diseases (for example bronchiectasis, COPD, or cystic fibrosis) who have or are at risk for pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, especially Mycobacterium abscessus.
Not a fit: People without chronic lung disease, those with unrelated infections such as tuberculosis, or individuals seeking immediate changes to their clinical treatment are unlikely to directly benefit from this lab‑focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to strengthen lung immunity or develop treatments that prevent or better control Mycobacterium abscessus infections in people with chronic airway diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human case reports and mouse studies suggest GM‑CSF is important for controlling NTM and that loss of GM‑CSF increases susceptibility, but applying these findings to human therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Denver, United States
- National Jewish Health — Denver, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hisert, Katherine B — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Hisert, Katherine B
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.