Research

RESEARCH: Pulmonary & Critical Care

Division faculty conduct bench and translational research, with three active NIH R01 grants and two K awards. There have been no new NIH awards in FY13, but Dr. Mehrad is planning on a resubmission of an application on the role of ELR cytokines as antimicrobial agents in highly resistant bacteria. Studies include:

Cynthia Brown

• NIH 5K23HL098563 – Mechanisms and Consequences of Sleep-disordered Breathing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  The primary goal of this mentored career-development award is increased understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of sleep-disordered breathing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Borna Mehrad

• NIH 5R01HL073848-08 – NK Cells in Host Defense against Invasive Aspergillosis
  In a preclinical model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, this project evaluates the role of NK cells the host defense mechanism including lung expression of interferon gamma-inducible CXC chemokines.

Borna Mehrad & C. Edward Rose Jr., co-principle investigators

• NIH 1R01HL098239-01 – Fibrocytes in Human Pulmonary Fibrosis
  To date no therapy exists for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which significantly prolongs life expectancy. This project is evaluating the role of circulating fibrocytes in the pathogenesis of IPF. In addition, clinical trial of the mTOR (fibrocytle) inhibitor sirolimus on circulating fibrocyte numbers and phenotype is under way.

C. Edward Rose Jr.

• NIH 1R01HL098526-01 – Fibrocytes in the Pathogenesis of Sickle Cell Lung Disease
  The pulmonary sequelae of sickle cell anemia includes chronic interstitial lung disease and secondary pulmonary hypertension and fibrosis. This project assesses the role of circulating fibrocytes in the pathogenesis of sickle cell lung injury.

• Circulating Progenitor Cells in Severe Asthma (supported by Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc.)
  Evaluating circulating fibrocyte numbers and phenotype as biomarkers for severe fixed obstructive asthma both in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in patients with severe asthma.

Y. Michael Shim

• NIH 5K08HL091127-03– Biology of Leukotrienes in the Pathogenesis of Emphysema
  Using a preclinical model of emphysema, this project explores the role of leukotriene B4 in the pathogenesis of emphysema.