Stopping harmful immune cells in the airways
Targeting pathogenic innate lymphoid cells in airway disease
This work looks at whether blocking certain lung immune cells can reduce asthma-like problems caused by pollution and dust exposures that many deployed service members face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11206879 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse models to mimic the lung exposures people may have had from burn pits and Middle East dust storms by giving combinations of pollutants (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, a dioxin, and fine particulate matter) with or without a common fungal allergen (Alternaria). They focus on lung innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), cells that can drive airway inflammation, and will test whether changing ILC activity changes disease features. Mice are examined for airway inflammation, mucus production, and airway tightening using invasive lung function tests so findings can link specific exposures to asthma-like responses. The goal is to understand mechanisms so new therapies that target ILCs can be developed for people with exposure-related asthma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with new-onset or worsening asthma after deployment, burn pit exposure, dust storms, or heavy air pollution would be the group most likely to benefit from related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose breathing problems are caused primarily by non-inflammatory issues or genetic conditions unrelated to pollution or allergen exposure may not benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets for preventing or treating deployment- and pollution-related asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and early human work links ILCs to allergic airway disease, but using ILC-targeting strategies specifically for pollution- or burn pit–related asthma is relatively new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doherty, Taylor a — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Doherty, Taylor a
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.