How neutrophils behave and can be guided during severe lung inflammation
Chemokine receptor signaling and the dynamics of neutrophil phenotypes during inflammatory lung injury
Looks at whether guiding two immune receptors (CXCR2 and CXCR4) can help neutrophils protect the lungs while reducing damage from severe infections or ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130255 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research follows different types of neutrophils over the course of lung injury and repair from the patient perspective. The team uses laboratory models of inflammatory lung injury and molecular tests to track neutrophil subtypes and how they move between bone marrow and lung tissue. Investigators have developed novel peptides that change signaling through CXCR2 and CXCR4 and will test how those peptides alter neutrophil trafficking and tissue damage. The goal is to identify ways to keep neutrophils’ infection-fighting role while limiting the cells that cause excessive lung injury and slow healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults hospitalized with acute lung injury, ARDS, or severe bacterial pneumonia would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People with chronic non-inflammatory lung conditions or those who cannot join hospital-based trials (for example due to pregnancy or severe unstable illness) would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that reduce lung damage and speed recovery for people with severe bacterial lung infections and ARDS.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work targeting chemokine receptors has shown promise, but guiding neutrophil subtypes for lung repair remains early-stage and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rehman, Jalees — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rehman, Jalees
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.