Decoding and reprogramming inflammatory tissue signals
Official title: Decoding and Reprogramming Cytokine-Driven Tissue States in Inflammation
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11431296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team will study how tissues listen to immune signals and try to reprogram those signals to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $441,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM166183-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with autoimmune diseases who have inflammatory or tissue-repair needs may benefit from future versions of therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This grant does not involve direct patient treatment at this time and may not benefit individuals who do not have inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
What this research studies
The project focuses on how epithelial and stromal cells, not just immune cells, shape inflammation in skin, gut, and lungs. Researchers will map how cytokines control barrier states and fibroblast behavior, then design targeted molecules to shift disease-driving tissue states toward healing. They will combine cytokine biology, protein engineering, and animal models to test these strategies in living systems. The goal is to create generalizable methods to precisely reprogram inflamed tissues for better resolution of disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to calm inflammation in autoimmune diseases by directly reprogramming tissue responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that signaling pathways like STAT1/STAT3 influence tissue inflammation, supporting the promise of this approach but the reprogramming strategies are still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saxton, Robert Andrew — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Saxton, Robert Andrew
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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.