Controlling how neutrophils move and release their contents
Vesicular trafficking mechanisms regulating granulocyte function
New small-molecule drugs target proteins that control neutrophil vesicle traffic to help people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170701 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) to understand how they move tiny packets called vesicles that carry enzymes and signals. Researchers use advanced imaging, quantitative systems-biology approaches, and cell-based experiments to track vesicle movement, actin remodeling, and processes like exocytosis, phagocytosis, and NET formation. They focus on proteins such as Rab27a, JFC1, Munc13-4, WASH, and STX7 and use newly designed small-molecule inhibitors to block specific protein interactions. Lab models and human-relevant samples are used to see whether altering these pathways can reduce harmful neutrophil responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions where excessive neutrophil activity contributes to tissue damage, such as certain vasculitis, inflammatory arthritis, or severe lupus-related inflammation.
Not a fit: Patients whose illnesses are not driven by neutrophil activity or are caused by unrelated genetic or metabolic problems are unlikely to receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs that reduce damaging neutrophil-driven inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have shown that targeting neutrophil trafficking proteins can change neutrophil behavior, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Catz, Sergio Daniel — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Catz, Sergio Daniel
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.