Nerve signals that cause severe airway tightening and inflammation
Mechanisms of tachykinergic nerve-mediated severe bronchoconstriction and inflammation
Looks at whether extra substance P nerve signals make asthma attacks worse and increase airway inflammation in people with eosinophilic asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work combines observations from people with eosinophilic asthma and experiments in mice to learn how substance P released by airway nerves causes severe airway tightening and inflammation. The team uses genetic tools and drugs to turn off the NK1 receptor in specific airway nerve types, smooth muscle, immune cells, and to test a newer substance P receptor called MrgprA1. They also examine how eosinophils and dendritic cells respond to substance P alone and together with other signals that attract eosinophils. The goal is to identify which receptors and cell types drive deadly bronchoconstriction so future treatments can target them more precisely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with eosinophilic asthma or a history of severe allergen-triggered bronchospasm would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People with non-eosinophilic asthma or other unrelated lung conditions are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to prevent or reduce severe allergen-triggered bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation in people with eosinophilic asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show that blocking substance P receptors can prevent severe bronchospasm in mice, but this approach has not yet been proven effective in people.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drake, Matthew G. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Drake, Matthew G.
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.