How particle surface properties affect inflammation in the lungs
Official title: Role of particle surface functionalization in inflammation
Funded at University of Montana · NIH-11062382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny particles, like those in silica and asbestos, affect lung health and inflammation, aiming to understand how they interact with immune cells to help find better treatments for lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Montana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Missoula, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $512,929 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033533-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of exposure to harmful micron-sized particles, such as those working in construction or mining industries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung diseases not related to particle exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the surface characteristics of micron-sized particles, such as those found in silica and asbestos, influence inflammation and lung health. By examining the interactions between engineered nanomaterials and immune cells, particularly alveolar macrophages, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to lung diseases. The approach includes analyzing how different particle properties affect cell function and inflammatory responses in laboratory models. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating lung and systemic diseases caused by these exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung diseases associated with particle exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between particles and immune cells can lead to significant advancements in treating related diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Montana
Missoula, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holian, Andrij — University of Montana
- Study coordinator: Holian, Andrij
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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.