Investigating how neutrophil traps affect lung function in cystic fibrosis
Official title: New biophysical and immunoregulatory mechanisms in neutrophil extracellular trap mediated lung dysfunction in cystic fibrosis
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10998553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune traps in the lungs might make it harder for people with cystic fibrosis to breathe by causing mucus to build up, and it hopes to find new ways to help clear that mucus and improve lung health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | September 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,760 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL176146-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who experience chronic lung infections and mucus buildup.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung conditions unrelated to mucus dysfunction, such as purely restrictive lung diseases, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in causing lung dysfunction in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It focuses on understanding how these traps, which are formed by immune cells to capture bacteria, contribute to mucus buildup and airway blockage. By using synthetic biomaterials to model the chromatin structure of NETs, the research aims to evaluate their impact on mucus properties and the ability of the lungs to clear mucus effectively. This could lead to new insights into improving treatments for CF and related lung diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that enhance mucus clearance and lung function for patients with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of neutrophil traps in lung diseases, but this specific approach using synthetic biomaterials is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boboltz, Allison Margaret — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Boboltz, Allison Margaret
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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.