Regulation of Pulmonary Inflammation by Leukocytes and Extracellular Matrix
Regulation of Pulmonary Inflammation by Leukocytes and Extracellular Matrix
Principal Investigator: Steven Ziegler
Funding Mechanism: National Institutes of Health- Grant
ID number: 3P01HL098067-03S1
Award Date: 9/17/2012
Institution: Benaroya Institute
In this project, which supplements ongoing research on how communication between lung tissue and leukocytes directs inflammatory response, investigators will assess how specific tobacco products impact specific lung immune responses. Studies will focus on airway tissue and macrophage cells related to the role of an airway tissue-derived cytokine in lung inflammation and immunity and the role of the enzyme stromelysin-2 (MMP-10) in lung immunity. MMP10 drives macrophage activation towards immunosuppression and has been linked to the development and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in human smokers. Studies will be conducted in both mouse and cell-based models to explore how this cytokine and enzyme influence airway and macrophage response to menthol cigarette smoke and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes. Together, the two study models may inform regulatory activities related to the development of tobacco product standards and review.