Investigating how airway cells interact with immune cells in lung health and disease
Official title: A CRISPR based organoid screen for mediators of epithelial-myeloid interactions
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11213121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how lung cells talk to immune cells to keep your airways healthy, and it aims to find new ways to help people with asthma and other lung issues feel better by using advanced technology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $453,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI193274-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11213121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from asthma or other airway diseases characterized by inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those without airway inflammation may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the communication between airway epithelial cells and immune cells, which is crucial for maintaining lung health. By using advanced CRISPR technology, the study aims to identify specific mediators involved in these interactions, particularly in the context of airway inflammation and diseases like asthma. The research will explore how these interactions can be manipulated to improve airway regeneration and reduce inappropriate immune responses. Patients may benefit from insights gained into new therapeutic targets for managing asthma and other airway diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better control airway inflammation and improve lung health for patients with asthma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions in other tissues, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medoff, Benjamin David — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Medoff, Benjamin David
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.