Blocking IKK protein assembly to reduce harmful inflammation
Suppressing Inflammation by Blocking IKK Oligomer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11290419
This project seeks to stop IKK proteins from clumping together so they trigger less inflammation in people with autoimmune diseases or inflammation-linked cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining how IKK proteins join into larger complexes that switch on NF-κB, a key driver of inflammation. The team will map the contact points between IKK subunits using biochemical experiments and cell-based models, and will test molecules that disrupt those dimer–dimer interactions. They may use human-derived samples to confirm whether blocking oligomerization reduces IKK activation in disease-relevant cells. The aim is to identify approaches that could be developed into drugs to lower pathogenic inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune inflammatory conditions or cancers linked to chronic inflammation would be the most relevant candidates to donate samples or join future clinical work stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not driven by NF-κB–mediated inflammation or who have unrelated genetic immunodeficiencies are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce harmful inflammation in autoimmune disorders and inflammation-driven cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior efforts to target the IKK–NF-κB pathway have largely failed clinically, so blocking IKK oligomerization is a relatively new and unproven strategy.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GHOSH, GOURISANKAR — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: GHOSH, GOURISANKAR
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.
Conditions: Cancers