Smoke-linked neutrophil exosomes that damage the lungs
A Pathogenic Smoke Associated Neutrophilic Exosomal Pathway.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11322129
Looks at tiny particles released by smoke-activated white blood cells that carry an enzyme and may damage lungs in people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322129 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at tiny vesicles (exosomes) released by smoke-activated white blood cells that carry neutrophil elastase, an enzyme that can break down lung tissue. The team will study how this enzyme sticks to the surface of those exosomes and search for molecules that can block that binding so the enzyme becomes vulnerable to the natural inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin. They will test these ideas in lab experiments and in a smoking mouse model that can transfer disease from one mouse to another to see if blocking the pathway prevents lung damage. The researchers will also compare their findings to fluid samples taken from people with COPD to link the lab discoveries to the human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with COPD, especially current or former smokers and those willing to provide respiratory samples (sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage), would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without COPD or whose breathing problems are driven by other mechanisms (for example, eosinophilic asthma) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that stop enzyme-coated exosomes from destroying lung tissue and slow COPD progression.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab studies found these enzyme-coated exosomes in lung fluid from COPD patients and showed they cause alveolar damage in mice, but targeting them as a therapy in humans is still untested.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GENSCHMER, KRISTOPHER R. — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: GENSCHMER, KRISTOPHER R.
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.