Brain circuits that control inflammation
Brain neural networks regulating inflammation
['FUNDING_R01'] · FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH · NIH-11173902
Researchers are mapping brain nerve pathways that tell the body to turn inflammation up or down to help people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis and colitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MANHASSET, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is using mouse models and advanced nerve-mapping tools to find which brain cells respond to inflammatory signals such as IL-1 and TNF. They record from and stimulate the vagus nerve with a custom bioelectronic toolkit and use genetic tricks to turn specific brain networks on and off. The group combines optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, and viral tracing to link brainstem neurons to immune organs like the spleen. The aim is to pinpoint brain circuits that could be targeted to reduce harmful inflammation in diseases such as arthritis, colitis, and diabetes-related inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other cytokine-driven inflammatory illnesses would be the most likely candidates for future related trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-inflammatory conditions, acute infections or injuries needing immediate care, or disorders not driven by cytokine-mediated inflammation are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to treat inflammatory diseases using targeted nerve-based or drug therapies that reduce harmful cytokine production.
How similar studies have performed: Related work on vagus nerve stimulation has shown promise in reducing inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis, though mapping and reactivating specific brain circuits is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
MANHASSET, UNITED STATES
- FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH — MANHASSET, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TRACEY, KEVIN J — FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
- Study coordinator: TRACEY, KEVIN 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.