Project funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) under the “SONATA 10” competition
Project Number: 2022/45/N/ST5/03634
Total project value: PLN 139,690.00
Total funding: PLN 139,690.00
Project implementation period: 02/02/2023 – 01/02/2026
Principal Investigator: Dr. Agnieszka Węgrzyn
Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease, characterized by recurring exacerbations and subsequent cycles of lung tissue remodeling. Structural changes occurring in lung tissue lead to a progressive decline in pulmonary function. Chronic inflammation in asthma is believed to result from an uncontrolled immune response to harmless environmental factors. This response activates various effector immune cells, including T lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, macrophages, as well as airway epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Among these, T cells play a key role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.
The aim of the project is to investigate changes in the phenotypic stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in individuals with asthma. The hypothesis assumes that Tregs in asthmatic patients differ in the expression profile of transcription factors responsible for maintaining their stable regulatory phenotype. Such altered Tregs are susceptible to cytokines produced by the airway epithelium in response to allergens, viruses, and air pollutants. In sensitive individuals (asthmatics), this leads to the conversion of FOXP3+ Tregs into exTregs. As a result, exTregs acquire characteristics of conventional T cells and lose their ability to suppress inflammation in the airways, thereby contributing to symptom exacerbation.
The results obtained in this project will expand our understanding of the role of Tregs in immune system pathology. The knowledge generated will support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for asthma and enhance the understanding of other immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases.
