Understanding the Link Between Airway Inflammation and Fear

Airway inflammation and fear: elucidating immune mediators and neural substrates

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11179269

This work explores how inflammation in the airways, like in severe asthma, might affect how the brain handles fear, especially for people with conditions like PTSD.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11179269 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We know that managing fear is important for good mental health, but for some, like those with PTSD, fear can become overwhelming. This project looks into why certain parts of the brain, specifically the infralimbic prefrontal cortex, might not work as well in regulating fear. We are particularly interested in how severe asthma and the inflammation it causes could be connected to these brain changes and the risk of developing PTSD. By studying these connections, we hope to uncover new ways to help people who struggle with fear and PTSD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational work is relevant for individuals living with conditions like severe asthma, PTSD, or other autoimmune diseases that involve inflammation and affect mental health.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment for their conditions would not directly benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to identify individuals at risk for PTSD and develop novel treatments that target the connection between physical inflammation and mental health.

How similar studies have performed: Growing evidence supports a link between severe asthma and PTSD, and this project uses unique mouse models to explore the specific mechanisms, building on existing knowledge while introducing novel approaches.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Autoimmune Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.