# Center for Lung Biology and Disease

> **NIH NIH P20** · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · 2020 · $2,251,189

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The objective of this proposal is to establish a Center of Excellence (COE) in Pulmonary Diseases
that is highly interactive and consists of a dynamic group of junior investigators whose research focus
is on understanding the molecular and cellular immunological mechanisms associated with the
pathogenesis if lung diseases. The Promising Junior Investigators (PJIs) have proposed four
independent but complementary research projects that will use molecular, immunological, and
pathological approaches to investigate lung diseases in mouse and non-human primate models. They
will also use de-identified human samples to validate their findings from preclinical models. We will
determine the host signaling molecules, such as IDO, ITK, IL4Rand TTP in the initiation of
protective host immune responses to infectious (bacterial/viral) and non-infectious agents (allergens).
The long-term goal is to establish a collaborative, productive, sustainable, and
nationally/internationally recognized COE in Pulmonary Disease research. The Specific Aims are: 1.
To promote the establishment of a nationally/internationally recognized COE in Pulmonary Diseases.
With the support of LSU, this COBRE-funded center will ensure that the pulmonary disease research
group is sustainable and will provide much-needed resources to expand this research area which is
primarily supported by the state of Louisiana; 2. To facilitate the improvement in research
infrastructure for enhancing competitiveness for extramural grants. In addition to existing core
facilities through NIGMS-funded COBRE-III, INBRE, and Louisiana Clinical and Translational Center
(LA CaTS) in Baton Rouge, we will establish two scientific cores, such as Pulmonary
Immunopathology and Molecular Biology. We will also renovate the office spaces into conventional
animal holding and equipment rooms to have a dedicates suite for COBRE investigators. We will
recruit 2 PJIs with complementary research areas in 2-3 years and 6 PJIs for the entire COBRE-I
duration. The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) has committed to purchase of new
equipment, provide service contracts and the COBRE will offer salaries to scientific and technical
staff; and 3. To develop an administrative infrastructure to promote the independent career of PJIs.
We have assembled senior scientists with outstanding track record to serve on the Internal Scientific
and advisory committee (ISAC), external advisory board (EAB), and mentoring committee (MC) that
will carefully evaluate scientific needs of each PJI and tailor the mentoring plan based on the
individual’s need. Two mentors: one local (Baton Rouge) and one outside LSU (Louisiana) have been
assigned. The PJIs will attend career development workshops and will participate in ethics and
scientific writing. We will nominate PJIs for the NIH/CSR Early Career Grant Reviewer program. We
will also assist PJIs with their presentations to the ISAC, EAB, and MC to seek their feedback on their
grants s...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9844067
- **Project number:** 5P20GM130555-02
- **Recipient organization:** LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Samithamby Jeyaseelan
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $2,251,189
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-01-02 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9844067

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9844067, Center for Lung Biology and Disease (5P20GM130555-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9844067. Licensed CC0.

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