Controlling Inflammation by Targeting a Key Receptor
Official title: Biasing CXCR3 Signaling to Modulate the Inflammatory Response
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11117066 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores new ways to manage inflammation by focusing on a specific protein called CXCR3, which plays a big role in how our immune system responds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $357,171 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM122798-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117066 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for future patients living with inflammatory conditions, particularly those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who may benefit from new targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory conditions or those whose inflammation is not related to the CXCR3 pathway may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Inflammation is a key part of many diseases, including heart conditions like atherosclerosis, and is often controlled by a system of proteins called chemokine receptors. Currently, there are very few medicines that effectively target this complex system. Our team is looking at a specific receptor, CXCR3, and how different signals can change its activity. We have found ways to guide CXCR3 to produce specific signals, which could lead to more precise control over the body's inflammatory responses. This approach aims to develop new medicines that can better manage inflammation without causing unwanted side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective treatments for inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, by precisely controlling immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting chemokine receptors is challenging, our group's previous work has identified specific molecules that can influence CXCR3 signaling in animal models of inflammatory disease, showing promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajagopal, Sudarshan K — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Rajagopal, Sudarshan K
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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.