Understanding how IL-6 helps lung cells resist cell death
Official title: Bcl-2 dependent fibroblast resistance to apoptosis occurs through persistent IL-6 signaling
Funded at National Jewish Health · NIH-10985897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called IL-6 helps lung cells survive longer, which could lead to new treatments for people with progressive lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Jewish Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $156,816 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL171850-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with progressive pulmonary fibrosis or other fibrotic lung diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fibrotic lung conditions or those not affected by pulmonary fibrosis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in helping lung fibroblast cells resist programmed cell death, a process known as apoptosis. By examining how IL-6 increases the expression of the BCL-2 protein, which prevents cell death, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to target this pathway. The ultimate goal is to develop treatments that could halt or reverse progressive pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung condition. Patients with fibrotic lung diseases may benefit from the findings of this research as it seeks to improve their treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively treat or reverse progressive pulmonary fibrosis in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting apoptosis pathways in other diseases, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating pulmonary fibrosis.
Where this research is happening
-
National Jewish Health
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooley, Joseph Charles — National Jewish Health
- Study coordinator: Cooley, Joseph Charles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Predictive models for BeS and CBD in exposed workers
Aimed at people exposed to beryllium, this project will build models to identify who is at risk for beryllium sensitization and Chronic Beryllium Disease using lung samples and data.
-
Understanding how early skin biology affects the development of allergies in children
A study with infants and young children aims to understand why some kids with eczema (atopic dermatitis) go on to develop food allergies and asthma, by looking at skin biology and immune patterns still early in life.
-
Rare airway cells and how they affect lung infections after a viral illness
This NIH grant looks at a rare airway cell type called M cells to see how they influence secondary bacterial infections after a viral lung illness.
-
Obinutuzumab for CTD-Related Interstitial Lung Disease in adults
This project tests whether the anti-B cell therapy obinutuzumab can help adults with connective tissue disease–related ILD who are on mycophenolate therapy.
-
Effects of Temperature Fluctuation on the Skin Barrier (K08)
A clinician-scientist is being mentored over 5 years to understand how changes in temperature affect the skin barrier and the development of allergies in children.
-
Precision tapering of dupilumab in asthma for safer, cost-saving interval extension
We’re testing if adults with well-controlled asthma on dupilumab can safely extend the time between injections to reduce costs and burden.
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.