Autoantibodies that weaken immune defenses after sepsis
Pathological Autoantibodies Contribute to Immune Suppression in Sepsis
This project looks at whether certain autoantibodies that appear during sepsis weaken people's immune systems and lead to more infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11011080 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've had sepsis or been in the ICU, researchers will look for abnormal autoantibodies in your blood, including anti-cytokine antibodies and newly identified anti-Fas antibodies. They will measure these antibodies alongside immune cell counts and lab tests of immune function to see if higher antibody levels match longer immune weakness or more secondary infections. The team uses blood samples from current ICU patients and sepsis survivors and links lab findings to clinical outcomes like ARDS and repeat infections. The work aims to explain why some people stay immunosuppressed after severe illness and to spot markers that could guide future care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults hospitalized with sepsis or who recently survived sepsis or ICU care, including those with ARDS or post-COVID sepsis, are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without sepsis, pediatric patients if not enrolled, or patients whose problems are not driven by immune dysfunction may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify patients at risk of prolonged immune suppression and open the way to treatments that prevent later infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found anti-cytokine autoantibodies in severe COVID-19 and critical illness, but translating these findings into treatments remains novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nau, Gerard J — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nau, Gerard J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.