Targeting specific immune cells in the lungs to understand asthma better
Official title: Genetic targeting of intraepithelial mast cells
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11090540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called mast cells affect asthma and other breathing problems, using special mice to see how these cells behave during inflammation, which could help develop better treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI186023-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from asthma or other airway inflammatory diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those not affected by asthma or airway inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of mast cells, a type of immune cell, in respiratory diseases like asthma. By creating a special mouse model that allows researchers to track these cells in the lungs, the study aims to uncover how these mast cells contribute to airway inflammation and disease progression. The approach involves using advanced genetic techniques to selectively target and observe these cells during inflammation, which could lead to new insights into asthma treatment. Patients may benefit from improved therapies based on the findings of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for asthma and related respiratory conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific immune cells can lead to significant improvements in asthma treatment, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwyer, Daniel F — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dwyer, Daniel F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.