How lung immune signals (PGE2 and IL‑33) and mast cells affect asthma inflammation
Prostaglandin E2-Dependent Control of a Mast Cell IL-33/ST2 Pathway in Asthma
This research looks at how the signaling molecules PGE2 and IL‑33 change mast cell behavior to increase or decrease airway inflammation in people with asthma and chronic sinus disease.
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-11308200 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies mast cells and two immune signals (PGE2 and IL‑33) that help control type 2 airway inflammation linked to asthma and chronic sinus problems. Lab experiments will measure how PGE2 changes mast cells' production of a soluble decoy receptor (sST2) and the cell-surface receptor (ST2L) that together control IL‑33 activity. The team will identify which mast cell subtypes do this and examine the receptors and molecular steps involved. Key findings will be tested in living models to confirm relevance to airway inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with asthma or chronic sinus (chronic rhinosinusitis) disease driven by type 2 inflammation would be the most relevant patient group for the findings of this research.
Not a fit: People without asthma or chronic airway type 2 inflammation, or those with unrelated conditions, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce airway inflammation in asthma and chronic sinus disease by targeting PGE2, mast cells, or IL‑33 signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have linked IL‑33, mast cells, and PGE2 to type 2 airway inflammation, but the exact mast cell–PGE2–sST2/ST2L pathway and its therapeutic potential remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boyce, Joshua a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Boyce, Joshua a
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.