Understanding how immune cell exosomes contribute to COPD
Official title: Pathogenic Exosomes in COPD
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11063115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles from immune cells to see how they might affect the progression of COPD, using mice to help us understand how these particles could lead to tissue damage and possibly help us find better treatments for people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $923,459 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL166433-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with COPD, particularly those with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with COPD who do not have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or those with other unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cell-derived exosomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using a mouse model. By studying how these exosomes transfer disease characteristics from humans to mice, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets. The approach includes examining how exosomes can enhance protease activity and lead to tissue damage, providing insights that could improve treatment strategies for COPD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that better manage or even prevent COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of exosomes in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for COPD as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blalock, J Edwin — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Blalock, J Edwin
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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.