Brain networks that control inflammation
Official title: Brain neural networks regulating inflammation
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11384699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project explores how specific brain networks control inflammation through signaling between the brain and body, with potential implications for inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $579,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083159-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease) who could benefit from future neuromodulation-based treatments.
✕Less likely to help
People without inflammatory conditions or who are not candidates for neuromodulation approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies how sensory signals from the body inform the brain about inflammation and how the brain, in turn, sends signals to regulate immune responses. Researchers use advanced tools like optogenetics and brain stimulation to map pathways in mice that influence TNF production and inflammatory processes. They aim to identify brain networks that respond to inflammatory signals like IL-1 and TNF and test how activating these networks could dampen inflammation in conditions such as arthritis or colitis. The work builds a bioelectronic approach to modulate the vagus nerve and related brain circuits to potentially reduce harmful inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new brain-body therapies to control inflammation in diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous efforts show brain pathways can influence inflammation, but this project seeks to map and activate specific networks for targeted control.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.