Depleting certain immune cells to improve recovery after spinal cord injury

Macrophage Depletion Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-11001939

This study is looking at how removing certain immune cells might help people recover better from spinal cord injuries by improving movement and reducing pain, and it aims to find out if this treatment can lead to better outcomes for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001939 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of macrophage depletion therapy on recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI). It aims to understand how removing specific immune cells can lead to better functional outcomes, such as improved movement and reduced pain. The study will utilize clinically relevant measures to assess changes in bodily functions after treatment, focusing on the impact of injury level and the long-term effects of this therapy. By translating findings from animal models to potential human applications, the research seeks to fill a critical gap in current SCI treatment options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently suffered a spinal cord injury and are experiencing significant functional impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic spinal cord injuries or those who do not have significant functional impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with macrophage depletion in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.