Therapeutic Interventions for COPD: Strategies Targeting Early Diagnostic Biomarkers and Immunotherapies

Principal Investigator

Dr. Anubama Rajan

Brief Summary of Project

This project aims to identify potential therapeutic targets and interventions for COPD by exploring the mechanisms uncovered in the previous projects. Specifically, the project will focus on developing early diagnostic biomarkers and evaluating novel immunotherapeutic approaches to manage COPD, reduce complications, and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this debilitating lung disease.

Modeling COPD Immunopathogenesis Using Human Airway Organoid Systems and Immune Co-culture Systems

Principal Investigator

Dr. Anubama Rajan

Brief Summary of Project

This project proposes to model COPD immunopathogenesis using advanced and combined human airway organoid systems with immune cells, specifically focusing on the inflammatory response to inhaled particles, pollutants, and infectious agents. By integrating nCB exposure and RSV infection in the human airway organoid model, the project aims to unravel the complex interplay of environmental and biological factors contributing to COPD pathogenesis.

Investigating the Mechanisms of Nanocarbon Black-Induced Epithelial Damage in COPD

Principal Investigator

Dr. Anubama Rajan

Brief Summary of Project

This project aims to evaluate how nanocarbon black (nCB) induces epithelial damage in a human nose organoid (HNO) model using Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) culture. The project will focus on understanding the early inflammatory events caused by nCB exposure, providing insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nCB-induced airway epithelial damage in the context of COPD.

Elucidating the Role of nCB and RSV in Acute Exacerbation of Airway Inflammation

Principal Investigator

Dr. Anubama Rajan

Brief Summary of Project

This project seeks to examine the concurrent effects of nanocarbon black (nCB) exposure and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on exacerbating airway inflammation. Through this project, we aim to understand the synergistic effects of nCB and RSV in driving acute exacerbation of airway inflammation, thereby elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in COPD exacerbation.

Mechanisms of Nanocarbon Black and RSV mediated inflammation in COPD using Human Airway Organoid Model.