Lung enzyme Car4 helps immune cells protect against parasitic worms
Car4 regulates M2 macrophage responses and host protection to helminths
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11323589
Researchers are looking at whether a lung enzyme called Car4 helps lung immune cells control parasitic worm infections that can damage the lungs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323589 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses lab mice to learn how the enzyme Carbonic Anhydrase 4 (Car4) shapes the behavior of alveolar macrophages, the immune cells that live in the lung. Scientists created mice that lack Car4 in specific cells to see how that change affects macrophage activation, inflammation, and scarring when parasitic worms migrate through the lungs. They will measure immune responses, lung tissue damage, and how well the animals clear infection to connect Car4 function to protection or injury. Results are intended to reveal whether targeting Car4-related pathways could reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis after helminth exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at risk for parasitic (helminth) infections that affect the lungs would be the most relevant group for eventual clinical applications.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung problems are unrelated to parasitic infection, such as some forms of allergic asthma or purely genetic lung diseases, may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to limit lung inflammation and scarring caused by parasitic worm infections by targeting Car4 or related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown carbonic anhydrase enzymes can influence immune cell activity, but targeting Car4 specifically for helminth-related lung protection is novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SIRACUSA, MARK CHRISTOPHER — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: SIRACUSA, MARK CHRISTOPHER
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.