Understanding how a protein called HuR affects lung disease in people with HIV

The Role of HuR in HIV related COPD

NIH-funded research Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-11115863

This research explores how cigarette smoke and HIV infection together lead to lung disease, focusing on a protein called HuR that helps protect the lungs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSuny Downstate Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Brooklyn, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115863 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

We know that HIV infection and cigarette smoking can make lung disease, like COPD, worse for many people. This project looks closely at how a specific protein, called HuR, acts as a protector in lung cells. When HuR levels drop due to HIV and smoke, lung cells become more vulnerable to damage and inflammation. Researchers are also exploring another protein, c-Src, which seems to reduce HuR, to better understand this complex process. By understanding these connections, we hope to find new ways to protect the lungs of people living with HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding lung disease in people living with HIV who are also exposed to cigarette smoke.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or who do not smoke may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or ways to prevent severe lung disease in people living with HIV who smoke.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified connections between HIV, smoking, and lung damage, and this project builds on those findings to explore a specific protective protein.

Where this research is happening

Brooklyn, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusAirway Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.