BERYLLIUM RESEARCH PROGRAM, PROJECT 1

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is an immune system disorder caused by the inhalation of beryllium particles. Exposures and disease occur in workplaces in which beryllium metal and beryllium alloys are used, producing disease in 2-6% of workers. Currently 1 million workers in the US are exposed. Individuals become sensitized to beryllium (BeS), and in some cases progress to CBD, which is a granulomatous lung disorder. Granulomas are a form of pathology that occurs when the body's immune system "overreacts". At this time, we do not know why some individuals who are beryllium sensitized develop CBD and others do not, although there is evidence that cell chemicals called "cytokines" regulate this process. It is known that there are genes, which are associated with increased risk for BeS and CBD. Other genes may be associated with the progression of BeS to CBD and with CBD severity. The focus of this project is to examine the relationship of immune cue cytokines and the genes, which regulate those cells to the risk for BeS and CBD.