Investigating how a protein affects lung immune cells and inflammation
Official title: The NF-kappaB modulator PDLIM2 as an intrinsic checkpoint of alveolar macrophages critical for lung innate immunity, inflammation and diseases
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11030038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your lungs help fight pneumonia and other lung diseases, while also exploring how they might play a role in lung cancer, focusing on a protein called PDLIM2 that affects how these cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $829,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177140-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults suffering from pneumonia, lung cancer, or other lung diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those without lung-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of alveolar macrophages, which are crucial immune cells in the lungs, in the context of pneumonia and lung diseases. The study aims to explore how these cells can both protect against infections and contribute to lung cancer progression. Researchers will investigate the function of a specific protein, PDLIM2, which influences the behavior of these immune cells and their ability to manage inflammation. By examining the interactions between PDLIM2 and other immune factors, the research seeks to uncover new insights into lung immunity and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung immunity and reduce the severity of pneumonia and other lung diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune checkpoints in other diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qu, Zhaoxia — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Qu, Zhaoxia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
RNA dysregulation in a rare childhood brain disorder (PCH1b)
Researchers are studying a rare genetic brain disease in young children to understand how RNA processing goes wrong and leads to damage in the cerebellum and brainstem.
-
Studying how diverse signals come from similar molecules at glutamatergic synapses
A project at a university explores how synapses in the brain create different signals from a shared set of molecules, using a fruit-fly model to understand how this could relate to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
-
How brain chemicals may influence tau clumps in Alzheimer’s disease
A study from USC explores how certain brain chemicals might influence the clumping of tau protein related to Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to identify factors that could affect disease progression.
-
GLP-1 medicines and brain health: real-world clues about dementia risk
A nationwide study will follow adults 21 and older using GLP-1 medicines to see how these drugs relate to memory, thinking, and dementia risk in real life.
-
Male pesticide exposure and reproductive health through epigenetics
This project looks at how a man’s exposure to pesticides might affect his fertility and the health of his future children through changes in DNA.
-
Global effort to harmonize fMRI findings in psychiatry
A large, international effort will standardize how brain MRI data are collected and analyzed in people with various mental health conditions to improve consistency and discovery.
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.