Investigating how certain lipids affect asthma triggered by viruses
Official title: Respiratory sphingolipid synthesis involved in airway hyperreactivity and viral-triggered asthma
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11026381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fats in the body, called sphingolipids, are influenced by genes and viruses in kids with asthma, to help understand why asthma symptoms can get worse and find better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $844,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI171390-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children with asthma, especially those with specific genetic markers linked to the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without asthma or those who do not have the genetic predisposition related to the 17q21 locus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of sphingolipids in asthma, particularly how they are affected by genetic factors and viral infections like human rhinovirus. Researchers will study children with asthma to see how their sphingolipid levels change in response to these infections. By examining airway epithelial cells and using animal models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind airway hyperreactivity and how it relates to asthma exacerbations. The findings could provide insights into new treatment strategies for asthma management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for asthma, particularly in children who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of sphingolipids in asthma, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Worgall, Stefan — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Worgall, Stefan
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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.