Targeted treatment to reduce airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma
Optimizing function-selective ERK1/2 inhibitors for reducing AP-1-mediated airway pathology in asthma.
This work is developing a new type of targeted drug that aims to block a specific signaling pathway in airway cells to reduce inflammation and airway remodeling for people with asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are optimizing a novel molecule that selectively blocks parts of the ERK1/2 enzyme that activate the AP-1 proteins, which drive inflammation and structural changes in the airways. They will refine the compound's selectivity and test its effects in airway smooth muscle and lung cell experiments and in models of allergic asthma. The aim is to reduce cell proliferation, AP-1 activity, and airway hyperresponsiveness while avoiding the side effects seen with broad kinase inhibitors. Successful candidates would be advanced toward safety testing and possible future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for eventual trials would be people with allergic or inflammatory asthma marked by airway hyperresponsiveness and symptoms not fully controlled by current treatments.
Not a fit: People with non-inflammatory asthma types, asthma already well controlled by current drugs, or conditions not driven by ERK/AP-1 signaling may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to safer, more effective asthma medicines that prevent airway remodeling and reduce severe asthma symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies support targeting ERK1/2 and AP-1 to reduce airway inflammation, but function-selective ERK inhibitors are a newer approach without established success in human trials yet.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shapiro, Paul S — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Shapiro, Paul S
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.