Understanding how air pollution affects lung inflammation in asthma and between genders
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms for Resolving Air Pollution Induced Pulmonary Inflammation: Potential Differences by Asthma and Sex (RAPIDAS)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10914895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $487,832 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035457-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with asthma who are exposed to air pollution, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without asthma or those who are not exposed to significant air pollution may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Junfeng — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Junfeng
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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.