How prostacyclin controls allergy-driving helper T cells in asthma
PGI2 regulation of CD4+ Th2 metabolism in allergic airway inflammation
This research looks at how a natural molecule called prostacyclin changes the metabolism of allergy-driving helper T cells to reduce inflammation in people with allergic asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131041 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses mouse models of allergic asthma and laboratory studies of human immune cells to see how prostacyclin alters metabolism in CD4+ Th2 cells. The team measures glycolysis, glucose transporter (Glut1) expression, and other metabolites using cellular assays and targeted metabolomics. They link those metabolic changes to classic asthma features like Th2 cytokine release, airway eosinophils, mucus production, and airway responsiveness. The goal is to understand the mechanism so that future therapies might target Th2 cell metabolism to lower allergic airway inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with allergic (type 2) asthma, especially those with eosinophilic inflammation or clear sensitivity to common allergens, would be most directly relevant.
Not a fit: People whose asthma is not driven by Th2-type allergy (for example non-allergic or neutrophilic asthma) are less likely to benefit from findings focused on Th2 metabolic control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets that reduce Th2-driven airway inflammation and mucus in allergic asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and laboratory studies, including work from the PI, show prostacyclin can restrain Th2 inflammation, but translating these findings to human cells and clinical approaches remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peebles, Ray Stokes — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Peebles, Ray Stokes
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.