How having an extra chromosome changes lung immune defenses in Down syndrome
Emulating Immune Dysregulation by Trisomy 21 in a Multi-Organ-on-a-Chip System
This project uses lung-on-a-chip devices to mimic how the extra chromosome in Down syndrome alters lung immune responses and why people with Down syndrome get more frequent or severe respiratory infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124158 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has Down syndrome, researchers will build tiny lab devices called organs-on-chips that recreate lung tissue, blood flow, and immune cells. They will compare chips made with cells that have an extra copy of chromosome 21 to chips with typical cells and expose them to respiratory germs while watching immune cell behavior and inflammation in real time. The team will focus on how myeloid immune cells and interferon signaling behave differently and test ways to correct harmful overactive responses. Results are meant to point toward treatments or preventive approaches to reduce dangerous lung infections in people with Down syndrome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Down syndrome—particularly adults who have recurrent respiratory infections or who can provide blood or tissue samples—would be the most relevant candidates for related sample donation or future trials.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome or those with non-infectious lung problems may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets to prevent or reduce severe respiratory infections in people with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Organs-on-chips have successfully modeled lung infection and immune responses in other settings, but applying them to trisomy 21 immune dysregulation is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hajipouran Benam, Kambez — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hajipouran Benam, Kambez
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.