Understanding how specific receptors in the airway affect asthma symptoms and inflammation
Official title: Dissecting the functions of muscarinic receptor subtypes in the airway epithelium for asthmatic allergen uptake, inflammation, and remodeling
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10996943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain receptors in the lungs affect asthma symptoms and how medications that block these receptors might help reduce inflammation and improve treatment for people with asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,984 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL176201-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with asthma who experience difficulty managing their symptoms with current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with asthma who do not respond to anticholinergic therapies or have other underlying respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the roles of M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors in the airway epithelium and their impact on asthma symptoms. By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to uncover how these receptors influence allergen uptake and inflammation in asthma. The research involves animal models to explore how anticholinergic drugs, which inhibit these receptors, can reduce lung inflammation and remodeling associated with asthma. The goal is to identify new drug targets that could improve treatment options for asthma patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve asthma management and patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with anticholinergic drugs in asthma treatment, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwick, Steven Michael — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zwick, Steven Michael
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.