How type II lung cells repair the air sacs
Regulation of type II cells in the repair of alveolar epithelial injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11164480
This research looks at how immune signals control type II lung cells that repair the air sacs, with the aim of helping people with lung injury or chronic lung disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies specialized type II cells that act like stem cells to renew and repair the thin lining of the lung air sacs. In the lab, researchers will use three-dimensional cell cultures, molecular tools, and lung-injury models such as bleomycin-treated animals to track how immune signaling directs those repair processes. They will also examine whether disruptions in these signals are linked to chronic lung problems like emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis. The goal is to identify signals that could be targeted to boost the lung's natural repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alveolar injury or chronic lung diseases that damage the air sacs (for example emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis) would be the most relevant population for treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve alveolar epithelial damage (for example many cases of mild, purely airway asthma) may not directly benefit from findings focused on alveolar type II cell repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stimulate lung repair and slow or reverse damage in conditions such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that immune signals can influence alveolar progenitor behavior, but turning those findings into effective human therapies is still largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIU, YURU — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: LIU, YURU
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections