How immune cells affect lung stem cells in emphysema
Official title: Suppression of alveolar stem cells by tissue-resident lymphocytes in emphysema
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11024845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the lungs affect the healing stem cells in people with emphysema, aiming to find new ways to help improve lung health and prevent flare-ups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $684,814 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177013-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of emphysema or those with other unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of tissue-resident lymphocytes in the suppression of alveolar stem cells in patients with emphysema, a severe form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aims to understand how viral infections trigger inflammation in the lungs, leading to the loss of these important stem cells that help maintain lung structure and function. By examining the interactions between immune cells and lung tissue, the researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent exacerbations and improve lung health in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung function and reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations in emphysema patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response in lung diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Tien — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Peng, Tien
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: a study in diverse adults
Researchers will look at CT scans and lung tests in older adults to understand different forms of emphysema and how they relate to health outcomes.
-
Lithium as a potential disease-modifying treatment for emphysema using a precision approach
A low-dose lithium approach is being studied to slow or modify emphysema in smokers who have COPD.
-
Imaging and multi-omics to find subtypes of emphysema in COPD
This project looks for molecular subtypes of emphysema in COPD by combining imaging with blood and tissue data to improve understanding and treatment options.
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Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: the MESA Lung Study
Aging adults with or without COPD-related symptoms may benefit from a new study that maps subtypes of emphysema on CT scans to better predict health risks.
-
E-cigarette use and emphysema risk in young adults (VapeScan)
A study to understand whether vaping or traditional cigarettes cause early lung damage in young adults.
-
Loss of lung blood-vessel stem cells that may speed lung aging and raise emphysema risk
Researchers will look at how losing a type of lung blood-vessel progenitor cell may make lungs age faster and increase emphysema risk in adults.
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.