Understanding the effects of mustard gas on eye health
Official title: Pathophysiology of Chronic and Delayed Mustard Gas Keratopathy
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10932707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to mustard gas affects the eyes over time, especially a condition called mustard gas keratopathy that can cause serious vision problems, and it's aimed at finding better treatments for people who have this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $480,990 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY035221-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced acute exposure to mustard gas and are suffering from chronic or delayed-onset eye complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to mustard gas or who do not have related eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of mustard gas exposure on the eyes, specifically focusing on a condition called mustard gas keratopathy (MGK). It aims to understand how cellular aging and inflammation contribute to the progression of this eye disease, which can lead to severe vision loss. The researchers will use animal models to explore the relationship between corneal cell senescence and the severity of MGK, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. By studying the underlying mechanisms, the research hopes to provide insights that could lead to better treatments for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from chronic eye conditions caused by mustard gas exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on mustard gas keratopathy is novel, similar research on the effects of chemical agents on eye health has shown promising results in understanding related conditions.
Where this research is happening
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University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Djalilian, Ali R — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Djalilian, Ali R
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.