Investigating how a protein protects lung cells from damage caused by cigarette smoke
Official title: Decay accelerating factor (CD55) protects against lectin pathway-mediated AT2 cell dysfunction in cigarette smoke-induced emphysema
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10876318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cigarette smoke harms lung cells and whether a protein called CD55 can help protect them, with the goal of finding ways to prevent lung damage in smokers and identify those at risk for conditions like emphysema and COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166828-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are smokers or individuals at risk of developing emphysema or COPD due to cigarette smoke exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke and have no risk factors for emphysema or COPD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the harmful effects of cigarette smoke on lung cells and how a specific protein, decay accelerating factor (CD55), may help protect these cells from damage. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke activates the immune response in the lungs and how inhibiting certain pathways could reduce lung injury. By examining the role of CD55 in promoting the health of alveolar cells, the research seeks to develop a method for identifying individuals at risk of developing emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This could lead to new strategies for preventing lung damage in smokers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect lung cells from damage caused by cigarette smoke, potentially reducing the risk of emphysema and COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting immune pathways to mitigate lung damage, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serban, Karina — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Serban, Karina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: a study in diverse adults
Researchers will look at CT scans and lung tests in older adults to understand different forms of emphysema and how they relate to health outcomes.
-
Lithium as a potential disease-modifying treatment for emphysema using a precision approach
A low-dose lithium approach is being studied to slow or modify emphysema in smokers who have COPD.
-
Imaging and multi-omics to find subtypes of emphysema in COPD
This project looks for molecular subtypes of emphysema in COPD by combining imaging with blood and tissue data to improve understanding and treatment options.
-
Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: the MESA Lung Study
Aging adults with or without COPD-related symptoms may benefit from a new study that maps subtypes of emphysema on CT scans to better predict health risks.
-
E-cigarette use and emphysema risk in young adults (VapeScan)
A study to understand whether vaping or traditional cigarettes cause early lung damage in young adults.
-
Loss of lung blood-vessel stem cells that may speed lung aging and raise emphysema risk
Researchers will look at how losing a type of lung blood-vessel progenitor cell may make lungs age faster and increase emphysema risk in adults.
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.