Immune signals that cause sticky mucus and blocked airways in severe asthma
Immune-driven Airway Epithelial Dysfunction in Muco-obstructive Asthma
Looking at how allergic immune signals change airway lining cells and cause mucus blockage in people with severe asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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-11325844 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers at UCSF will compare samples from people with severe asthma to lab-grown airway cells to see how type 2 immune signals like IL-13 change gene activity and mucus production. They will study how secretory cells develop and how mucins are made and released, using human airway samples, cell-culture models, and molecular analyses. The Center runs two linked projects that together search for previously unrecognized molecules and pathways that lead to mucus plugging and airway obstruction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe or type 2 (allergic) asthma, especially those who have mucus plugging or frequent airway obstruction, would be the best fit for participation or to benefit.
Not a fit: People with mild asthma, non-type 2 asthma, or unrelated lung diseases are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that reduce mucus plugging and improve breathing in people with severe, type 2 asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown IL-13 and type 2 inflammation drive mucus changes and that targeting type 2 pathways helps some patients, but the specific molecular mechanisms targeted here are largely novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erle, David J — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Erle, David J
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.