Understanding how inflammation persists in the airway cells of asthma patients

Epigenetic mechanisms of inflammatory memory propagation in human airway epithelia

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11003672

This study is looking at how long-lasting inflammation in asthma affects the cells in your airways, especially how certain stem cells might remember this inflammation, with the hope of finding better treatments for asthma and similar breathing issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003672 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how chronic inflammation in asthma affects airway epithelial cells, particularly focusing on the role of basal stem cells in propagating inflammatory memory. By examining the epigenetic changes induced by the immune response, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind persistent airway inflammation and its impact on conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for managing chronic airway diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from asthma or chronic bronchitis, particularly those experiencing persistent airway inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those whose asthma is well-controlled and not characterized by chronic inflammation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that more effectively manage or even cure chronic airway inflammation in asthma patients.

How similar studies have performed: This area of research is emerging, and while there have been studies on airway inflammation, the specific focus on epigenetic memory in airway epithelial cells is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, 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.