Investigating how certain tiny particles from immune cells contribute to lung damage after exposure to harmful gases.
Official title: Role of proteolytic extracellular vesicles in halogen gas dependent chronic lung injury
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10928443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles released by immune cells can harm the lungs after exposure to chlorine or bromine gas, and it's aimed at finding ways to help people who might suffer from long-lasting lung problems because of this exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036518-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced exposure to chlorine or bromine gas, particularly those with symptoms of acute or chronic lung injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to halogen gases or do not have lung injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of proteolytic extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by immune cells in causing chronic lung injury after exposure to chlorine or bromine gas. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these EVs, which carry enzymes that can damage lung tissue, contribute to the transition from acute to chronic lung injury. By examining the interaction between these EVs and lung cells, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets to mitigate lung damage. The research involves both laboratory experiments and animal models to simulate the effects of gas exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce chronic lung injury in patients exposed to harmful gases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of proteolytic EVs in halogen gas toxicity is novel, similar research has shown that extracellular vesicles can play significant roles in other lung injury models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Rakesh P. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Patel, Rakesh P.
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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.