Understanding how lung mucus and immune cells work together in lung injury
Mechanisms of lung macrophage programming by MUC5B during health and disease
This project explores how mucus and immune cells in the lungs interact to either protect us or contribute to lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11077807 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our lungs are protected by mucus and special immune cells called macrophages, but sometimes these can cause problems after a lung injury. This project aims to uncover the specific ways these protective elements can turn harmful. We are focusing on a key mucus protein, MUC5B, which is vital for healthy lungs but can also increase the risk of lung scarring (fibrosis) when it's not working correctly. By understanding how MUC5B interacts with lung macrophages, we hope to learn why some people develop severe lung conditions after injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand the basic mechanisms of acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis, which could eventually benefit individuals with these conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from participating in this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis by targeting the interactions between mucus and immune cells.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of MUC5B and macrophage interaction are still being uncovered, previous research has highlighted the importance of both mucus and immune cells in lung health and disease.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Christopher M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Evans, Christopher M
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 below.