Understanding how air pollution affects lung health
Official title: Genetic mechanisms underlying maladaptive respiratory responses to air pollution
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11050630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in ozone, a type of air pollution, affects lung health over time and why some people are more likely to develop issues like asthma or COPD, using mice to help understand the differences in how our bodies respond.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,165 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036228-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced respiratory issues related to air pollution exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with respiratory conditions not linked to air pollution or those who do not live in areas with significant air quality concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how long-term exposure to ozone, a common air pollutant, impacts lung function and contributes to diseases like asthma and COPD. The study aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind why some individuals adapt to repeated ozone exposure while others do not, potentially leading to chronic respiratory issues. By using a mouse model that simulates human responses, researchers will analyze changes in immune cells called alveolar macrophages to understand their role in lung health. This could provide insights into why certain people are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating asthma and COPD in individuals sensitive to air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic responses to environmental factors can lead to significant advancements in treating respiratory diseases, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelada, Samir — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kelada, Samir
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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.