Investigating how certain immune cells respond to lung damage from ozone exposure
Official title: Monocyte-derived alveolar macrophage drives inflammatory response to lung ozone exposure
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11121823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the lungs react to damage from ozone, especially in people who have had previous lung infections, to help find better ways to treat breathing problems caused by air pollution.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $575,536 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034350-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, particularly those who have experienced lung injuries from viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any history of respiratory issues or lung injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific immune cells, known as alveolar macrophages, in the body's response to lung injury caused by ozone exposure. It aims to uncover how prior lung damage, particularly from viral infections, affects the immune response to ozone, which is a significant public health concern. The study will involve examining the behavior of these immune cells in both mice and humans to identify mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for respiratory conditions exacerbated by ozone. By analyzing how these immune cells function and interact during lung injury, the research seeks to provide insights into preventing and managing respiratory diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for protecting patients with respiratory conditions from the harmful effects of ozone exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to environmental exposures, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tighe, Robert Matthew — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tighe, Robert Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
SSRI use during pregnancy: effects on placental blood flow and inflammation
This grant studies how antidepressants (SSRIs) used during pregnancy might affect the placenta and inflammation, and whether a 5-HT2 receptor blocker could mitigate any negative effects.
-
Understanding how skin inflammation is controlled to help conditions like atopic dermatitis
A study at UC San Diego investigates how skin cells regulate inflammation to prevent prolonged skin redness and injury.
-
Estrogen and neutrophil function in lung disease among adults with CF and bronchiectasis
This grant tests how estrogen may change neutrophil behavior and lung inflammation in adults with cystic fibrosis or non-CF bronchiectasis to explain why women often have worse outcomes.
-
Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
-
T-Cell Signals in Neonatal Heart Regeneration
This project explores how a specific immune pathway involving CD4+ T helper 2 cells may help the neonatal heart repair itself after injury in mouse models, with potential implications for human heart healing.
-
Monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages fuel lung inflammation after ozone exposure
This study looks at how certain immune cells in the lungs called monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages respond to ozone exposure and worsen lung inflammation, especially after prior lung injury.
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.