Lung-resident regulatory T cells that calm allergic asthma
Allergen-specific lung-resident Tregs in asthma: Targetable suppressors of resident memory Th2 cells
Seeing if immune cells that live in the lung (allergen-specific regulatory T cells) can quiet the allergic response in people with allergic asthma caused by inhaled allergens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256740 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on Foxp3+ regulatory T cells that remain in the lung after allergen exposure and how they control nearby memory Th2 cells that drive allergic asthma. The team uses laboratory allergy models and analyses of lung and airway immune cells to map where these cells sit, how they interact, and what happens when regulatory T cells are increased or removed. They measure airway inflammation, mucus changes, airway responsiveness, and eosinophil activity to link cell behavior to asthma features. Results will be used to design ways to strengthen or deliver lung-resident regulatory cells as a potential long-lasting therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with allergic (type 2) asthma triggered by inhaled allergens, especially those with eosinophilic inflammation or airway hyperresponsiveness, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with non-allergic asthma types (for example neutrophilic asthma) or asthma driven primarily by structural lung disease or non-immune causes may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that boost lung-resident regulatory T cells to reduce airway inflammation, mucus production, and asthma attacks over the long term.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies show regulatory T cells can suppress Th2 allergic responses, but translating lung-resident regulatory T cell approaches to people remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luster, Andrew D — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Luster, Andrew D
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.