How immune-cell 'webs' (NETs) harm lungs in cystic fibrosis and other mucus-blocking diseases
The NET Impact on Lung Epithelia in Cystic Fibrosis and Mucoobstruction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11249578
The researchers are testing whether sticky webs released by neutrophils (NETs) damage the airway lining and help infections in people with cystic fibrosis and other mucoobstructive lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249578 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how NETs — web-like structures from white blood cells — interact with airway cells from people with cystic fibrosis and similar mucus-blocking lung diseases. Investigators will expose human airway cells and samples to NETs to see if NETs cut a junction protein called E-cadherin and trigger internal signals (β-catenin and NF-κB) that drive inflammation. They will measure inflammatory molecules (like IL-1, TNF-α, IL-8), cell death, release of free iron, and changes in bacterial (Pseudomonas) growth after NET exposure. The team aims to identify specific steps by which NETs worsen airway damage and infection that could be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cystic fibrosis or other mucoobstructive lung diseases who have neutrophil-driven airway inflammation or recurrent bacterial infections.
Not a fit: People without mucoobstructive lung disease or whose lung problems are not driven by neutrophilic inflammation are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to block NET-driven inflammation and infection, potentially reducing lung damage and bacterial problems in people with CF and related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown NETs can trap bacteria and damage airway tissue, but translating that knowledge into treatments for mucoobstructive lung diseases is a newer and still largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUDOCK, KRISTIN MARA — UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- Study coordinator: HUDOCK, KRISTIN MARA
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.