Immune cells blocking lung repair stem cells in emphysema
Suppression of alveolar stem cells by tissue-resident lymphocytes in emphysema
This project looks at how immune cells in the lungs may stop repair stem cells after viral infections in people with emphysema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251570 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how tissue-resident lymphocytes (a type of immune cell) affect alveolar type 2 (AT2) stem cells that repair the air sacs. They use mouse models with a gene change linked to emphysema and infect lungs with respiratory viruses to see how immune cells respond. The team also analyzes human lung tissue from people with emphysema to compare which AT2 cells are lost and which immune cells accumulate. Lab tests examine immune signals like interferon gamma to find ways to protect or restore the lung stem cell reservoir.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with emphysema (a form of COPD), especially those who have had recent respiratory viral infections, would be most relevant for sample donation or future clinical steps.
Not a fit: People without emphysema or whose breathing problems are caused by unrelated conditions may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to protect or restore lung repair cells and reduce severe flare-ups and lung decline in emphysema.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show immune signals can harm lung repair cells, but directly targeting tissue-resident lymphocytes to restore alveolar stem cells is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Tien — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Peng, Tien
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.