Understanding how house dust mites trigger airway hyperreactivity in asthma

Sensory neuronal mechanism for development of house dust mite induced airway hyperreactivity

NIH-funded research University of South Florida · NIH-11049885

This study is looking at how tiny house dust mites can make asthma worse in kids under 11 by affecting certain nerves in their airways, with the goal of finding better treatments that tackle the root of the problem instead of just easing the symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11049885 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which house dust mites (HDM) contribute to airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in asthma patients, particularly in children under 11 years old. The study focuses on identifying specific sensory nerve populations that are activated by HDM and how these nerves lead to excessive airway responses. By understanding these neural mechanisms, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that can more effectively treat AHR, which is a major cause of asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Patients may benefit from new treatments that address the underlying causes of their asthma rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who suffer from asthma, particularly those with symptoms triggered by house dust mites.

Not a fit: Patients with asthma not triggered by house dust mites or those over the age of 11 may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target the mechanisms of airway hyperreactivity in asthma, improving management and outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on asthma and airway hyperreactivity, this specific focus on the sensory neuronal mechanisms triggered by house dust mites is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, 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 Airway 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.