New research discovers key protein protects against wildfire smoke damage to lungs

This study found that a protein called NRF2 helps protect lung cells from damage caused by wildfire smoke, by controlling antioxidant defenses. This is important because it will lead to the development of strategies to protect lung health against wildfire smoke. First author Sarah Lacher, PhD was funded by a Lung Association Catalyst award to better understand the molecular drivers of wildfire smoke-induced lung disease.