Investigating how a specific enzyme affects immune responses to parasitic infections in the lungs
Official title: Car4 regulates M2 macrophage responses and host protection to helminths
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11110384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein affects immune cells in the lungs that help fight infections, especially those caused by parasites, and it aims to find new ways to treat lung problems that can arise from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $619,171 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI180644-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be children aged 0-11 years who are affected by parasitic infections or related lung conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have parasitic infections or lung-related issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of carbonic anhydrase 4 (Car4) in regulating the immune responses of alveolar macrophages, which are crucial for lung health. By studying a special type of immune cell known as M2 macrophages, the research aims to uncover how these cells respond to parasitic helminth infections that can cause lung damage. The team will use genetically modified mice to explore the molecular mechanisms behind these immune responses, potentially leading to new treatments for lung inflammation and fibrosis caused by these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve lung health and reduce damage caused by parasitic infections in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to parasitic infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Siracusa, Mark Christopher — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Siracusa, Mark Christopher
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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.