Leukotriene E4's role in lung inflammation
Control of Pulmonary Inflammation by Leukotriene E4
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11164708
Researchers are looking at how a molecule called leukotriene E4 sparks allergic-type inflammation in the airways of people with asthma and nasal polyps.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have asthma or nasal polyps, this research is digging into why a specific inflammatory molecule, leukotriene E4 (LTE4), seems to cause severe airway inflammation. The team uses genetically modified mice, tissue and cell experiments taken from airways, and specialized models to follow how LTE4 interacts with airway “brush” cells and immune cells. They are studying a chain of signals involving receptors (CysLT3R and P2Y2), ILC2 immune cells, and molecules like IL-25, LTC4, and IL-33 that together drive eosinophilic inflammation. The goal is to map this pathway in detail so it points to better ways to stop LTE4-driven flare-ups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with asthma or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, especially those with eosinophilic (type 2) inflammation, are the patient populations most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without asthma or eosinophilic airway inflammation, or whose symptoms come from infections or structural problems rather than allergic inflammation, are less likely to directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new drug targets to reduce asthma and nasal polyp inflammation driven by leukotriene E4.
How similar studies have performed: Existing medicines that block some leukotriene pathways (like CysLT1 antagonists) help some patients, but the specific LTE4–CysLT3R/brush-cell pathway studied here is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOYCE, JOSHUA A — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: BOYCE, JOSHUA A
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.