Understanding how inflammation affects airway muscle contraction in asthma
Official title: Mechanisms of Cytokine-Mediated Integrin Activation and Force Transmission in Airway Smooth Muscle
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11060016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the body, called IL-13 and IL-17A, affect the way airway muscles work in people with asthma, with the hope of finding new ways to help those who struggle with breathing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,710 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173342-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asthma, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms related to airway constriction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-asthmatic respiratory conditions or those without significant airway smooth muscle involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL-13 and IL-17A, influence the activation of integrins in airway smooth muscle. By using advanced imaging techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to analyze how these cytokines enhance force transmission through tethering proteins that connect muscle cells to surrounding tissues. The goal is to uncover the cellular pathways that contribute to the exaggerated muscle contraction seen in asthma, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for asthma by targeting the mechanisms that cause airway constriction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of integrins and cytokines in asthma, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundaram, Aparna Bala — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sundaram, Aparna Bala
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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.