Understanding How Air Pollution Harms Lungs
Activated Macrophages and Ozone Toxicity
This research explores how a common air pollutant, ozone, damages our lungs by affecting key immune cells, hoping to find new ways to protect us.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112482 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Ozone, a widespread air pollutant, irritates and injures the lungs, particularly in vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, and can worsen conditions like asthma. This damage involves inflammation and tightening of the airways, which reduces lung function. Our immune cells, called macrophages, are crucial in both starting and resolving this inflammation. We have found that ozone exposure prevents these macrophages from switching to a healing state, and this project aims to uncover why this healing process is suppressed, focusing on a protein called farnesoid-X receptor (FXR).
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but its findings could eventually benefit individuals sensitive to ozone-induced lung damage, such as children, the elderly, and those with asthma or chronic lung disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by ozone exposure or related lung inflammation would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies or treatments to reduce lung injury caused by ozone and potentially other air pollutants, especially for those most susceptible.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon previous findings about the role of macrophages in ozone-induced injury, delving deeper into a specific mechanism that has shown promise in earlier stages.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laskin, Debra L — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Laskin, Debra L
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.