Understanding how inflammasomes contribute to lung inflammation and injury
Official title: Mechanism and targeting of inflammasome activation in lung inflammation and injury
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11015011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the immune system, called the NLRP3 inflammasome, works in causing lung inflammation during bacterial pneumonia, and it aims to find new ways to help people with lung injuries by understanding how a protein called MafB can help control this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,963 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170913-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from acute lung injury or bacterial pneumonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic lung conditions unrelated to inflammasome activation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in lung inflammation and injury, particularly in cases of bacterial pneumonia. It focuses on the two-step activation process of the inflammasome, which involves priming and activation, and aims to clarify how the regulation of this process can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. The study explores the function of MafB, a transcription factor that may negatively regulate inflammasome activation, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for acute lung injury. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to better manage or prevent lung inflammation caused by infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating acute lung injury and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting inflammasome pathways for therapeutic benefits, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Gang — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Liu, Gang
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.