Investigating the role of specific immune cells in asthma related to obesity
Official title: Mucosal Associated Invariant T cells in the Obese-asthma endotype
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11002342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight can make asthma worse in women by comparing the immune responses in heavier and lighter mice with asthma, hoping to find new ways to help treat asthma flare-ups related to obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | January 23, 2023 |
| Project end | January 22, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,915 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL167596-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with asthma who also have obesity, particularly females.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without asthma or those who are not obese may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how obesity affects asthma, particularly in females. It examines the immune response in obese asthmatic mice to identify differences in inflammation compared to lean asthmatic mice. By using a specialized mouse model that mimics human obesity, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to more severe asthma in obese individuals. The findings could help develop targeted treatments for asthma exacerbations linked to obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for asthma patients who are also dealing with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in obesity can lead to significant advancements in asthma treatment, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cannata, Angela Marie — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cannata, Angela Marie
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This study is looking at how problems with tiny energy factories in our cells, called mitochondria, can make asthma worse for people who are both obese and have asthma, and it hopes to find new ways to help them breathe better.
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.