Investigating how smoke affects immune cell exosomes in lung disease.
A Pathogenic Smoke Associated Neutrophilic Exosomal Pathway.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11060013
This study is looking at how tiny particles from immune cells might be making lung problems worse in people with COPD, and it hopes to find new ways to protect your lungs by making those harmful particles easier for your body to fight off.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11060013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition linked to an imbalance between proteases and antiproteases in the body. It explores how exosomes, which are tiny vesicles released by immune cells called neutrophils, become coated with a harmful enzyme that contributes to lung damage. By studying these exosomes in both mouse models and human patients, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind their role in COPD and develop strategies to counteract their damaging effects. The ultimate goal is to find ways to make these harmful enzymes vulnerable to natural inhibitors in the body, potentially leading to new treatments for COPD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, particularly those with a history of smoking.
Not a fit: Patients with COPD who are not smokers or have never smoked may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that protect lung tissue in patients with COPD.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting neutrophil exosomes in COPD is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding exosome roles in other inflammatory diseases.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GENSCHMER, KRISTOPHER R. — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: GENSCHMER, KRISTOPHER R.
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 below.