Monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages fuel lung inflammation after ozone exposure
Official title: Monocyte-derived alveolar macrophage drives inflammatory response to lung ozone exposure
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11348245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain immune cells in the lungs called monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages respond to ozone exposure and worsen lung inflammation, especially after prior lung injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $572,664 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034350-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with prior lung injury or chronic respiratory conditions who may be exposed to ozone.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without prior lung injury may have less relevance to the mechanisms studied.
What this research studies
The project explores how prior lung injury changes the lung’s immune environment to react more strongly to ozone, potentially increasing inflammation and damage. It focuses on alveolar macrophage subtypes and their roles in mediating responses to environmental exposure. The research uses both human and animal models to understand cellular pathways like autocrine signaling that sustain inflammatory states. Findings could identify targets to reduce ozone-related lung harm in people with existing respiratory conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new strategies to prevent or lessen ozone-related lung inflammation in at-risk patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages contribute to sustained lung inflammation after injury, supporting relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tighe, Robert Matthew — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tighe, Robert Matthew
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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.