# Cationic CAMKIIN nanoparticles that reduce chlorine-induced airway oxidative stress

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2022 · $193,125

## Abstract

Project Summary
Chlorine is a chemical agent that is harmful to humans. Acute inhalation of high levels of chlorine
results in the death of airway epithelial cells and leads to adverse effects on respiratory health,
including airway remodeling and hyperreactivity. In a mouse chlorine exposure model, animals
developed inflammation and fibrosis in large airways. This inflammation and fibrosis has been
reported to be linked to damage to mitochondria and the generation of oxidative stress and
reactive oxygen species. Our group has shown that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase
II (CaMKII) plays a pivotal role in ROS generation in the airways. In this proposal, we will test the
hypothesis that, in response to chlorine gas challenge, CaMKII contributes to the induction of
hallmark features of airway inflammation. Utilizing a novel drug delivery system, we will expose
mice to a CaMKII inhibitor peptide (CaMKIIN) encapsulated in PLGA NPs. These NPs will be
directly delivered to the lung via oropharyngeal instillation. Furthermore, we will include a chitosan
coating of the CaMKIIN-loaded PLGA-NPs to increase uptake in lung cells thereby reducing
oxidative stress and fibrosis. This project will be completed by first evaluating CaMKII activation
and ROS expression levels in the lungs of juvenile mice following chlorine exposure and then
determining if a CaMKII inhibitor-loaded cationic nanoparticle can mitigate ROS expression and
lung damage following chlorine exposure.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10408405
- **Project number:** 1R21ES032937-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Aliasger K Salem
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $193,125
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-06 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10408405

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10408405, Cationic CAMKIIN nanoparticles that reduce chlorine-induced airway oxidative stress (1R21ES032937-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10408405. Licensed CC0.

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