Understanding how mustard gas exposure harms the cornea
Official title: Ocular mustard keratopathy elicits induced autophagy, which is detrimental to the cornea
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11123560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how mustard gas can hurt the eyes, especially the cornea, and it aims to find out how a natural process in our cells might help or hurt healing, so we can discover better ways to treat people who have problems from mustard gas exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $468,734 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EY036320-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced significant exposure to sulfur mustard and are suffering from corneal injuries or symptoms of MGK.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to sulfur mustard or do not exhibit symptoms related to corneal injury from chemical exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the harmful effects of sulfur mustard gas on the cornea, particularly focusing on a condition known as mustard gas keratopathy (MGK). Patients exposed to this chemical may experience acute corneal injury and, in some cases, chronic symptoms. The study aims to explore the role of autophagy, a cellular process that can either protect or damage cells, in the context of corneal injury caused by mustard gas. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating MGK.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic corneal damage due to mustard gas exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the protective roles of autophagy in the cornea have been studied, the detrimental effects of autophagy in the context of mustard gas exposure are less understood, making this research a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Han — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Peng, Han
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.