How RIG-I sensors control lung inflammation and repair

RIG-I-like receptor regulation of pulmonary inflammation and homeostasis

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11141203

Looks at whether changing RIG-I signaling in the lungs can reduce harmful inflammation and help lungs heal after infection or injury.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11141203 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project studies RIG-I-like receptors, proteins that detect nucleic acids inside cells, to understand how they control lung inflammation and tissue repair. Researchers will use lab-grown lung cells and preclinical lung models to test how a synthetic RIG-I agonist and type III interferon (IFN-λ) change immune cell programming and healing responses. The team will map signaling pathways that shift responses away from damaging inflammation toward tissue repair. Results are intended to point to molecular targets that could be used to develop new treatments for infectious and non-infectious lung inflammation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with inflammatory lung conditions such as severe viral pneumonia, acute lung injury, or other inflammatory lung diseases would be most relevant for future therapies.

Not a fit: People without lung inflammation or with unrelated non-pulmonary conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could identify new drug targets to reduce lung inflammation and speed recovery after lung infections or injury.

How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies suggest RIG-I agonists and IFN-λ can alter immune responses and help lung repair, but testing in patients remains novel.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.