How tiny particles cause lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis
Extracellular vesicle-driven neutrophilic inflammation in cystic fibrosis lungs
This project aims to understand why certain immune cells become overactive and cause inflammation in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115760 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks into why immune cells called neutrophils become overactive and cause inflammation in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. We believe tiny particles, called extracellular vesicles, found in the airway fluid, might be telling these neutrophils to behave in a way that harms the lungs instead of protecting them. By understanding this process, we hope to discover new ways to calm this inflammation and improve lung health for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cystic fibrosis, particularly those experiencing significant lung inflammation, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without cystic fibrosis or those whose inflammation is not driven by this specific neutrophil behavior may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the harmful inflammation in cystic fibrosis lungs, offering a different approach than current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on preliminary findings from the team, suggesting a novel mechanism for inflammation in cystic fibrosis that has not been widely targeted by existing therapies.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tirouvanziam, Rabindra Marie-Jean — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Tirouvanziam, Rabindra Marie-Jean
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.