Detecting and measuring the process of cell engulfment of dying cells

FRET detection and in situ quantification of efferocytosis using designed enzymatic activity

['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-10880620

This study is looking at how our body's cells clean up dying cells, which is important for keeping inflammation in check, and aims to create a new way to see and measure this process in tissues and living cells, helping us understand and treat diseases related to inflammation and cell death better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10880620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding efferocytosis, the process by which cells engulf dying cells, which plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation and immune responses. The researchers aim to develop a new technology that can detect and quantify this process in both tissue samples and live cells. By utilizing unique enzymatic activities as fluorescent probes, the study will provide insights into how dying cells are processed and how this affects various diseases. This innovative approach could lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions related to inflammation and cell death.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases, cancers, or conditions associated with abnormal cell death and inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-inflammatory conditions or those not affected by cell death processes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases, cancers, and other conditions linked to inflammation and cell death.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using enzymatic activity for detection is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of biomedical research.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.