MIF Genes and Therapies for Emphysema
Official title: MIF Genetics & Therapeutics in Emphysema
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11052963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a gene called MIF affects emphysema in COPD and tests ways to restore MIF to prevent severe lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 2I01BX003265-07A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with COPD or emphysema, especially those with certain MIF gene polymorphisms, and patients at risk for bacterial pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without COPD/emphysema or those not carrying relevant MIF polymorphisms may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
People with COPD and emphysema could benefit from new therapies that target MIF, a protein involved in immune responses. The project uses humanized MIF mice and examines how genetic variations influence susceptibility to emphysema and deadly bacterial pneumonia from S. pneumoniae. It also investigates methods to raise MIF levels in the body and lungs as a possible treatment. The research aims to clarify how MIF genetics link to disease and test proof-of-concept therapies in preclinical models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent emphysema progression and reduce lethal lung infections in COPD patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous findings suggest MIF levels influence emphysema risk and pneumonia susceptibility, supporting a translational path for this work.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Patty J — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Patty J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: a study in diverse adults
Researchers will look at CT scans and lung tests in older adults to understand different forms of emphysema and how they relate to health outcomes.
-
Lithium as a potential disease-modifying treatment for emphysema using a precision approach
A low-dose lithium approach is being studied to slow or modify emphysema in smokers who have COPD.
-
Imaging and multi-omics to find subtypes of emphysema in COPD
This project looks for molecular subtypes of emphysema in COPD by combining imaging with blood and tissue data to improve understanding and treatment options.
-
Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: the MESA Lung Study
Aging adults with or without COPD-related symptoms may benefit from a new study that maps subtypes of emphysema on CT scans to better predict health risks.
-
E-cigarette use and emphysema risk in young adults (VapeScan)
A study to understand whether vaping or traditional cigarettes cause early lung damage in young adults.
-
Loss of lung blood-vessel stem cells that may speed lung aging and raise emphysema risk
Researchers will look at how losing a type of lung blood-vessel progenitor cell may make lungs age faster and increase emphysema risk in adults.
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.