How LTE4 and OXGR1 drive airway inflammation and scarring
Type 2 Inflammation and Remodeling Elicited Through an LTE4/OXGR1-dependent pathway
This work looks at how a signaling molecule called LTE4 and its receptor OXGR1 trigger inflammation and tissue changes in the airways of people with allergic airway conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247075 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on tuft cells, a rare airway epithelial cell type that makes inflammatory signals like IL-25 and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs). They use mouse models alongside laboratory analysis of human sinonasal tissue from people with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps to map how tuft cells and the LTE4 receptor OXGR1 activate wound-repair programs. Experiments include measuring signaling molecules, tracking epithelial progenitor responses, and testing whether blocking OXGR1 or CysLT signaling prevents abnormal airway remodeling. The team aims to connect the animal findings to human disease to identify targets that could limit scarring and loss of airway function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with type 2-high allergic airway disease—for example asthma or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, particularly those undergoing sinonasal surgery who can donate tissue—would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose airway problems are not driven by type 2 inflammation (such as infection-driven disease or non-eosinophilic COPD) are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or reverse airway remodeling in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies showed tuft cells produce CysLTs and drive type 2 inflammation and some human tissue work shows similar pathways, but targeting the LTE4/OXGR1 remodeling pathway in humans is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barrett, Nora Amanda — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Barrett, Nora Amanda
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.