Ras signaling and regulatory T cells to treat allergic airway inflammation
Official title: Ras signaling in type 1 regulatory T cell development and function during allergic airway inflammation
Funded at Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge · NIH-11465494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study will explore how Ras signaling affects a type of immune cell that helps control allergic inflammation in the airways of people with allergic asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI197492-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11465494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with allergic asthma who could benefit from therapies that boost regulatory T cell function.
✕Less likely to help
People whose asthma is not driven by these immune pathways or who cannot participate in trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a specific cellular pathway (Ras signaling) influences the development and function of Tr1 regulatory T cells, which help calm allergic airway inflammation. The study will use laboratory models to understand how these cells might be expanded or sustained to reduce asthma symptoms. Researchers aim to connect basic cell signaling with potential immune-based therapies for allergic asthma. If successful, the findings could guide new approaches to limit airway inflammation and improve control of asthma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immune-based treatments that help reduce asthma-related airway inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown that manipulating regulatory T cells can modulate allergic inflammation, but this project focuses on a specific Ras signaling pathway in Tr1 cells.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Weishan — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
- Study coordinator: Huang, Weishan
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.