Understanding how sensory nerves affect asthma symptoms
Official title: Interoceptors controlling airway constriction
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11059062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerves in the body might affect asthma symptoms like wheezing and tightness in the chest, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage asthma beyond just using anti-inflammatory medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $436,327 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173002-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asthma, particularly those experiencing significant airway hyperresponsiveness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with asthma who do not exhibit airway hyperresponsiveness or those with other unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific sensory nerves, known as interoceptors, in the development of asthma symptoms such as airway inflammation and constriction. By studying these nerves in detail, researchers aim to uncover how they contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness, a key feature of asthma. The study will utilize advanced techniques, including genetic labeling and calcium imaging, to analyze the behavior of these nerves in response to allergic inflammation. This could lead to new insights into asthma management beyond traditional anti-inflammatory treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that more effectively control asthma symptoms by targeting sensory nerve pathways.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of sensory nerves in asthma is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding their impact on airway responses, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Liang — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Han, Liang
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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.