# The Cysteinyl Leukotriene E4 Receptor, GPR99, Orchestrates Airway Epithelial Cell Differentiation and Type 2 Pulmonary Inflammation

> **NIH NIH K08** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $199,800

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT:
This proposal details a five-year plan to provide the candidate, Lora Bankova, MD, with the knowledge
and expertise to become an independent investigator in the field of Allergy and Immunology. The
studies focus on a previously unrecognized role of the stable cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) metabolite
LTE4 in the control of proximal events leading to development of type 2 immunity to the outdoor mold
aeroallergen, Alternaria. Using a combination of cellular and molecular approaches, the candidate will
test the hypothesis that GPR99 drives innate type 2 immunity and airway remodeling through the
control of epithelial cell activation for IL-25 generation. As LTE4 is the only stable cysLT metabolite and
is detected in asthma elicited by allergen, viruses, aspirin, there are significant translational implications
for asthma. The short-term goals of this K08 award application are to provide training in advanced
imaging techniques, advanced genomic techniques, including RNA-Seq, and human translational
research. Dr. Bankova's long-term goal is to develop an independent translational research program
studying the innate immune control of allergic disease. During the period of support the candidate will
complement her laboratory skills with didactic coursework to develop skills in emerging gene
sequencing and editing methods, courses in bioinformatics and systems biology, grant writing,
leadership, and the responsible conduct of research germane to the application. This will then facilitate
her transition to independence during the third and fourth years of the award. Dr. Bankova will work
under the mentorship of Nora Barrett, MD and Joshua Boyce, MD, experts in cysLT biology and
mechanisms of inflammation. Dr. Bankova has also assembled a team of extraordinary scientists,
including Drs. Yoshihide Kanaoka, Carla Kim, Bruce Levy, Howard Katz, and K. Frank Austen, who
have committed their time, resources, and expertise to facilitate her career development and research
goals. Under their mentorship and guidance, in an ideal scientific environment at the Brigham and
Women's Hospital, training in immunology, didactic curriculum, and career development plan will
position the candidate to secure independent NIH funding and to establish herself as a physician
scientist with a focus on the role of mast cells and cysLTs in instructing epithelial cell activation to guide
immune bias at mucosal surfaces.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9972856
- **Project number:** 5K08AI132723-04
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Lora Bankova
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $199,800
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9972856

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9972856, The Cysteinyl Leukotriene E4 Receptor, GPR99, Orchestrates Airway Epithelial Cell Differentiation and Type 2 Pulmonary Inflammation (5K08AI132723-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9972856. Licensed CC0.

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