Tiny traffic particles that keep lung inflammation from healing
Traffic-Related Ultrafine Particles Disrupt The Resolution Of Lung Inflammation
This research looks at whether tiny particles from traffic make lung inflammation last longer in people with or at risk for asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how inhaled ultrafine particles from traffic affect the body's natural 'resolution' signals that normally calm lung inflammation. The team will use lab experiments on cells and animal lungs and analyze human-derived samples to measure specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), receptors, and immune cell behavior. They will link those molecular changes to allergen-driven asthma pathways to see if particle exposure promotes chronic inflammation. The goal is to map how these particles interfere with healing and identify targets to restore normal resolution.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with asthma or other chronic airway diseases, and those who live or work near heavy traffic exposure, would be most relevant for this research.
Not a fit: People with non-respiratory conditions or lung problems not driven by inflammation, or those with no meaningful exposure to traffic pollution, may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain why air pollution worsens or prolongs lung inflammation and point to new ways to help lungs heal and prevent asthma flares.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research has identified pro-resolving mediators and shown promise in lab models, but applying these findings specifically to traffic ultrafine particles and chronic lung inflammation is a relatively new, mostly preclinical area.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levy, Bruce D — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Levy, Bruce D
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.