How PPARγ controls immune cells that drive lung inflammation
Nuclear receptor, PPARg in macrophage polarization, hyperinflammatory gene expression and lung injury
This work looks at how a protein called PPARγ changes lung immune cells to help people at risk of severe lung inflammation after injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a lung injury, the research will examine how a protein called PPARγ controls macrophages—immune cells that can either calm or worsen inflammation—using human cells and mouse models of lung injury. The team will map gene activity and epigenetic marks that make macrophages become overly inflammatory, and test how turning PPARγ on or off changes those responses using both drugs and genetic tools. They will also study how prior signals (like IL-4) change macrophages' later reactions to bacterial-like triggers. The goal is to find molecular targets that could lead to treatments to reduce harmful lung inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at high risk for acute lung injury or severe inflammatory lung conditions (for example, ARDS or severe lung inflammation after infection or trauma) would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People with non-inflammatory chronic lung problems or conditions unrelated to acute inflammatory lung injury are less likely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or approaches to reduce dangerous lung inflammation and lower the risk or severity of acute lung injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have shown PPARγ can change macrophage behavior and reduce inflammation, but turning those findings into effective treatments for lung injury in people remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagy, Laszlo — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nagy, Laszlo
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.