Understanding How a Protein Called Ezrin Helps Lung Cells Fight Infections
Role of Ezrin in Macrophages
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11124010
This research explores how a protein called ezrin helps important immune cells in your lungs, called macrophages, fight off infections and manage inflammation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124010 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Macrophages are crucial immune cells in your lungs that protect against infections and help clean up damaged cells. This project aims to understand how a specific protein, ezrin, guides these macrophages to respond to infections and inflammation. We believe ezrin helps these cells move, spread, and engulf harmful bacteria, which is vital for a healthy immune response. By learning more about ezrin's role, especially since it's found at lower levels in patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis and asthma, we hope to uncover new ways to improve lung health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with chronic lung inflammatory diseases, particularly those with cystic fibrosis or asthma, might eventually benefit from this foundational understanding.
Not a fit: Individuals without lung inflammatory conditions or bacterial infections are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to manage chronic lung inflammatory diseases like cystic fibrosis and asthma by targeting macrophage function.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of ezrin in lung macrophages is being characterized here, other studies have shown the importance of macrophage function in immune responses.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BRUSCIA, EMANUELA MARINA — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BRUSCIA, EMANUELA MARINA
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.
Conditions: Airway infections, Bacterial Infections