OCRID Announces Two New Pilot Projects Advancing Respiratory and Infectious Disease Research
10-23-2026
The Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases (OCRID) is pleased to announce two new pilot projects led by Oklahoma State University researchers. These projects will investigate potential approaches to improving lung health and understanding how viral infections may contribute to inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ciaran A. Shaughnessy, Ph.D. – Exploring New Approaches to Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Ciaran A. Shaughnessy, Ph.D., in the Department of
Biology within Oklahoma State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, is leading the project “Receptor-Mediated CFTR Activation in Human Airway Epithelium”.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, making it difficult to keep the airways clear. The disease affects a protein called CFTR, which helps regulate the movement of salt and water across airway cells to keep the lungs properly hydrated. Although existing CFTR modulator therapies have substantially improved outcomes for many people with CF, they do not fully restore CFTR function, and chronic lung disease can persist.
Dr. Shaughnessy’s research will investigate whether activating a specific receptor called the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), can increase CFTR activity in airway cells. A2AR activation can increase levels of the signaling molecule cAMP, which stimulates CFTR activity. The project will examine whether this receptor-mediated approach can provide an additional way to enhance CFTR function beyond current treatments. Using primary human airway cells from individuals with and without cystic fibrosis, the team will measure CFTR activity across different genetic backgrounds and treatment conditions. The researchers will also determine whether A2AR-mediated activation remains effective during inflammation and whether it can further enhance CFTR activity that has already been restored by existing CFTR modulator therapies.
This research could provide important preliminary data on receptor-mediated regulation of CFTR and help identify additional strategies for improving airway function in people with cystic fibrosis.
Neeraj Singh, Ph.D. – Investigating the Link Between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Neeraj Singh, Ph.D., in the Department of
Physiological Sciences within Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is leading the project “JUNB: Targeting SARS-CoV-2-Associated Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Scientists are investigating how viral infections, including COVID-19, may influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. One area of interest is neuroinflammation, or inflammation in the brain, which can alter the function of microglia, the brain’s immune cells and contribute to disease-related changes. Microglia normally help maintain brain health and clear cellular debris and amyloid, but persistent inflammation may cause these cells to adopt a more harmful, pro-inflammatory state.
Dr. Singh’s research focuses on JUNB, a protein that helps regulate cellular responses, including those involved in inflammation. The team will investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection drives sustained activation of JUNB and alters microglial function during Alzheimer’s disease. Using mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers will examine whether reducing JUNB activity can limit harmful neuroinflammation, preserve microglial function, and reduce the buildup of amyloid plaques associated with the disease.
By exploring the relationship between viral infection, JUNB signaling, and microglial function, this project could provide new insight into how COVID-19-associated inflammation affects Alzheimer’s disease progression and help identify potential directions for future research.
Supporting Innovative Research
Through its pilot project program, OCRID supports innovative research at Oklahoma State University aimed at advancing understanding of respiratory and infectious diseases. These two projects will generate preliminary findings that may help guide future studies and support the development of new research opportunities.