Understanding how air pollution affects lung inflammation in asthma and between genders

Molecular Mechanisms for Resolving Air Pollution Induced Pulmonary Inflammation: Potential Differences by Asthma and Sex (RAPIDAS)

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10914895

This study is looking at how air pollution affects the lungs' ability to heal from inflammation, especially for people with asthma, and it aims to find out if there are differences between men and women in this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914895 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to air pollution, specifically PM2.5, impacts the body's ability to resolve inflammation in the lungs, particularly in individuals with asthma. The study aims to understand the role of specialized mediators that help the lungs return to normal after inflammation and how these processes may differ between men and women. By analyzing data from an existing panel study on air pollution health effects, the research will explore the cellular mechanisms involved in inflammation resolution and the potential differences based on asthma status and sex. This could lead to a better understanding of how to treat or prevent pollution-related respiratory issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with asthma who are exposed to air pollution, particularly those over 21 years old.

Not a fit: Patients without asthma or those who are not exposed to significant air pollution may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for asthma patients exposed to air pollution, enhancing their ability to recover from inflammation.

How similar studies have performed: While there is extensive literature on the proinflammatory response to air pollution, this specific investigation into the resolution of inflammation in asthma and sex differences is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.
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.