Investigating how immune cells respond to a specific lung infection
Official title: GM-CSF, macrophages, and susceptibility to Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-11084366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of your immune system helps fight off a specific bacteria that can cause lung infections in people with chronic airway diseases, and it aims to find ways to boost that immune response to help improve treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,636 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167956-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic airway diseases who are at risk of developing pulmonary infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic airway diseases or those who do not have a history of pulmonary infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the immune system, particularly macrophages, interacts with a type of bacteria known as Mycobacterium abscessus, which can cause lung infections in individuals with chronic airway diseases. The study aims to explore the role of a specific cytokine, GM-CSF, in helping these immune cells clear the bacteria from the lungs. By examining both human cases and animal models, the researchers hope to uncover why some patients are more susceptible to these infections and how to improve their immune response. This could lead to better treatments for those affected by pulmonary infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients with chronic airway diseases, reducing their risk of severe lung infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses to similar infections can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hisert, Katherine B — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Hisert, Katherine B
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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.