Investigating how inflammation affects airway muscle shortening in asthma

Targeting T2 inflammation-evoked mechanical endotypes of ASM shortening in asthma

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11061079

This study is looking into how certain cells in your airways behave in asthma and aims to find new treatments that can help you breathe better without losing effectiveness over time, focusing on how taste receptors might play a role in this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11061079 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind airway smooth muscle (HASM) shortening in asthma, which leads to chronic inflammation and bronchial obstruction. The study aims to explore the role of type 2 (T2) inflammation in regulating HASM contraction and to identify new bronchodilators that can effectively treat asthma without causing tolerance or being influenced by immune responses. By examining the effects of bitter taste receptors on HASM, the researchers hope to uncover novel therapeutic targets that could improve asthma management. The approach includes pre-clinical models to validate their hypotheses and findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asthma, particularly those experiencing significant airway obstruction and inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients with asthma who do not respond to bronchodilators or have other underlying conditions that complicate their asthma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective asthma treatments that provide better control of symptoms and reduce reliance on current medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar mechanisms in asthma, but this specific approach focusing on TAS2 receptors is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.