Investigating how exposure to residential bioaerosols affects lung health in sarcoidosis patients
Official title: The Role of Residential Bioaerosol Exposure in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11160190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in the air at home might affect people with pulmonary sarcoidosis, helping us understand if these particles could make their lung condition worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $751,734 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL173123-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms or lung impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sarcoidosis who have mild symptoms or are not experiencing significant lung issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between exposure to bioaerosols in residential environments and the severity of pulmonary sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease that primarily affects the lungs. The study will involve collecting samples of bioaerosols from the homes of patients and analyzing their composition to identify potential environmental triggers. Researchers will also assess the immune response in patients with varying degrees of lung disease severity, comparing their immune profiles and symptoms to those of healthy controls. The goal is to better understand how these exposures may lead to worsening lung conditions in sarcoidosis patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of pulmonary sarcoidosis, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between environmental exposures and sarcoidosis, but this specific investigation into residential bioaerosols is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerke, Alicia — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Gerke, Alicia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrative metabolomics to improve sarcoidosis diagnosis and prognosis
A research project from UCLA aims to find blood-based biomarkers that help diagnose sarcoidosis earlier and predict how it will progress, especially in African American women.
-
Predicting Lung Health in Sarcoidosis with Vitamin D Metabolism
Aging individuals with sarcoidosis, especially Black/African American women, may benefit from a clearer plan that uses vitamin D biology to predict and improve lung health.
-
Understanding how inflammation and scarring develop in pulmonary sarcoidosis
A doctor-scientist is studying why some people with sarcoidosis develop dangerous lung scarring and how to prevent it.
-
Peptide-based Diagnostic Test for Sarcoidosis
A new test using peptide-based ELISA is being developed to diagnose sarcoidosis, potentially reducing the need for invasive lung biopsies.
-
Molecular markers of progressive pulmonary sarcoidosis
This grant looks at proteins and genes in people with sarcoidosis to find early signs that the disease will worsen from the lungs.
-
Advanced imaging to monitor immune-suppressant therapy in active cardiac sarcoidosis
A patient-focused imaging study to see how MRI and PET 18F-FDG can track how well immune-suppressant treatment is working for active cardiac sarcoidosis.
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.