How the lung protein CC16 helps airway cells fight infections
Defining mechanisms of CC16 on epithelial-driven host responses to pathogens
This project tests whether a lung protein called CC16 helps airway cells defend people with asthma or COPD against viruses and bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182725 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Arizona are building on earlier work that linked low CC16 levels to worse lung function and progression from childhood asthma toward COPD. They will study how CC16 interacts with immune cells in the blood (via VLA-4) and with airway lining cells (via VLA-2) to limit inflammation and boost antimicrobial and antiviral responses, with a focus on rhinovirus. The work combines clinical samples, cell-based studies, and translational models to connect molecular mechanisms to patient biology. Patients may be asked to provide samples or be considered for future interventions if the findings point to therapies that modify CC16 activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with asthma or early COPD—including children with low lung function or adults who have frequent airway infections—who may be willing to provide samples or take part in related clinical work.
Not a fit: People without airway disease or whose lung problems arise from causes unrelated to CC16-mediated pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to treatments that boost CC16 activity to reduce airway infections, lower inflammation, and slow progression from asthma to fixed airflow limitation.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier funding produced mechanistic and clinical evidence supporting CC16’s protective role, but using CC16-targeted therapies in patients remains an early and not-yet-proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ledford, Julie Gunnells — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Ledford, Julie Gunnells
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.