Research News

This study found that methylmalonic acid (MMA), a substance that accumulates with age, is not associated with metastasis of breast cancer in humans. This is important as a follow-up to an animal study suggesting that accumulation of MMA leads to progression of breast cancer, with this study finding no such relationship in humans. Co-author Ana P. Gomes was funded by a Lung Association Innovation Award.

This 30-year longitudinal study showed that a nutritionally rich plant-centered diet was associated with a slower age-related decline in lung function. This is important as it highlights diet quality as a potential treatable trait which supports long term lung health. Co-authors George Washko, Ravi Kalhan, Jing Gennie Wang, and Sonali Bose are Airways Clinical Research Centers investigators.

This study found that a specific type of immune cell called cDC1, protects the body against a fundal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, which can cause serious lung infections. This is important because it suggests that boosting the functions of these immune cells could improve the body’s ability to fight off fungal infections. Jintao Xu was supported by an American Lung Association Catalyst Award.

This study found that CT imaging of small airways disease can be linked with progressive severity of COPD and lung function. This is important as this metric could serve as an early indicator of emphysema onset and COPD progression and improve early diagnosis and treatment. Co-Author MeiLan K. Han is an ACRC investigator, Medical Spokesperson, and Scientific Advisor for the Lung Association.

This article argues that research in critical illness, such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, must focus more on understanding how the body’s immune system interacts with infectious germs. This is important to identify traits that can be treated more precisely and provide more personalized care. First author George Kitsios, MD, PhD was awarded the COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research Award.

This study found that age and prior exposure influences viral shedding dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 dynamics, and older individuals and those with more exposure exhibit lower shedding. This is important because the speed of shedding correlates with the incubation period, which can aid in COVID-19 response planning. This work was supported by a Stand Up To Cancer‐LUNGevity-American Lung Association Lung Cancer Interception Dream Team Translational Research Grant.

This editorial discusses how the drug nintedanib slows the worsening of dyspnea and fatigue, stabilizes the impact of pulmonary fibrosis, and may improve cough. This is important for patients with pulmonary fibrosis to understand the risks and benefits of therapy, including how treatments may affect their quality of life. Anna Podolanczuk, MD, received a Dalsemer Award and Kerri Aronson, MD, received a Catalyst Award.

This study used CT imaging and spirometry to determine that abnormally small airways are related to an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with COPD. This is important because it can improve early detection and treatment for patients at greatest risk, even those who have not been diagnosed with chronic obstruction. Drs. MeiLan Han and George Washko are Airways Clinical Research Centers investigators.

This study collected immune responses from nearly 600 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, including 12 months of follow up to determine possible causes and risk factors of long COVID. This work is important as it can lead to new treatments for long COVID, and early identification of patients at high risk. Co-author Catherine L. Hough, MD was funded by the COVID-19 Respiratory Virus Research Award.

This study discovered that a signaling protein called CRCR3 attracts CD8+ T cells, which are a type of white blood cell which kill virus-infected cells but could lead to lung damage during a flu infection. This is important because it can lead to new treatments for severe influenza while reducing lung damage and accelerating recovery. Co-author Jintao Xu, PhD was funded by a Catalyst Award for his work on developing immune-based treatment for fungal diseases.