Mucus plugs in asthma: where they form and how they affect breathing
Phenotypic and biological features of mucus plugs in asthma
This project tests whether detailed CT measurements of mucus plugs and inhaled N-acetylcysteine can help people with mucus-heavy asthma breathe better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join this work, your chest CT images would be analyzed to count mucus plugs and measure their size and location. Researchers will use airway samples and clinical data from the SARP-3 group to link mucus plug features with type 2 inflammation and airflow problems. The team will compare mucus plugs before and after some patients start biologic (type 2 pathway) therapies. They will also test inhaled N-acetylcysteine in people with high mucus plugging to see if loosening mucus improves airflow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with asthma who show mucus plugging on chest CT or have evidence of type 2 airway inflammation (including those in the SARP-3 cohort) are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without mucus plugs on imaging, those with non–type 2 asthma, children, or individuals who cannot use inhaled N-acetylcysteine are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce mucus plugs and improve airflow and breathing for people with mucus-high asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked semi-quantitative mucus plug scores to inflammation and airflow obstruction, but applying detailed CT-based plug phenotyping and inhaled NAC for mucus-high asthma is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fahy, John V — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Fahy, John V
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.