Investigating how lung cells help protect against acute lung injury
Official title: Lung epithelial cell-derived C3 in acute lung injury
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10894109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called C3 that helps the lungs heal and fight off infections when someone has serious lung problems, like acute lung injury or respiratory distress, to find new ways to help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $582,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169860-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic lung conditions or those not experiencing acute lung injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a protein called C3, produced by lung epithelial cells, in enhancing the body's ability to cope with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study aims to understand how C3 functions in the lungs, particularly its role in responding to injury and supporting immune cells like macrophages. By using advanced mouse models, researchers will investigate the protective effects of lung-derived C3 on lung cells and immune responses, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with acute lung injury and respiratory distress, potentially enhancing recovery and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of complement proteins in lung health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kulkarni, Hrishikesh Satish — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kulkarni, Hrishikesh Satish
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.