Understanding how silica exposure leads to lung inflammation and disease
Official title: Inflammatory Injury Caused by Silica Exposure
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11084399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in silica dust can harm your lungs and lead to serious health issues, and it aims to understand how certain immune cells react to this dust so that new treatments can be developed to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163712-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica and are experiencing symptoms related to lung inflammation or autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to silica or do not have related lung or autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the harmful effects of inhaling silica dust, which can cause serious lung diseases like silicosis and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer. The study focuses on the role of specific immune cells called alveolar macrophages and how they respond to silica exposure. By using a mouse model, researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these responses and explore the potential of targeting a protein called HDAC6 for new treatments. This could lead to better understanding and management of diseases caused by silica exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for silicosis and related autoimmune diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting HDAC6 in silicosis is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding and treating other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Jian — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fu, Jian
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.