Predictive models for BeS and CBD in exposed workers
Official title: Predictive Models of Beryllium Sensitization and Chronic Beryllium Disease
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-11592226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people exposed to beryllium, this project will build models to identify who is at risk for beryllium sensitization and Chronic Beryllium Disease using lung samples and data.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $787,177 |
| NIH project number | 4R01ES034767-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11592226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with known or suspected beryllium exposure, including workers at risk for BeS or CBD.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without beryllium exposure or those not at risk for BeS/CBD may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you’ve been exposed to beryllium at work, this study will examine lung samples to find gene and protein patterns that distinguish healthy individuals from those who have BeS or CBD. Researchers will analyze bronchoalveolar lavage cells to map lung-specific changes and develop classifiers that can predict progression from BeS to CBD. The work involves identifying pathways and biomarkers that could lead to a clinically usable test for early detection and risk stratification. Participants would contribute samples and health data to help build these predictive models. The long-term goal is to enable earlier intervention and improved management for people affected by beryllium exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a blood- or BAL-based test that helps doctors identify BeS and CBD earlier and tailor monitoring and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have begun mapping immune pathways in BeS and CBD; this project aims to advance from discovery to clinically viable models.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Li — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Li, Li
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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.