Effects of chronic alcohol use on immune cells
Official title: Impact of chronic alcohol consumption on the functional and epigenetic landscapes of monocytes and their progenitors
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10890648 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term heavy drinking impacts immune cells in the body, using monkeys to help us understand why people who drink a lot might get sick more often and have a harder time healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $343,534 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028735-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890648 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who engage in chronic heavy drinking and may be experiencing related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or those with acute alcohol-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic heavy drinking affects the function and genetic regulation of immune cells, specifically monocytes and their progenitors. By using a rhesus macaque model that mimics human drinking behavior, the study aims to understand the inflammatory responses triggered by alcohol consumption. The researchers will analyze changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications in these immune cells to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to increased infection risk and impaired healing in individuals who consume alcohol heavily.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with alcohol use disorders, particularly in reducing their risk of infections and enhancing recovery after surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response in chronic alcohol consumption can lead to significant insights, but this specific approach using a non-human primate model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Messaoudi, Ilhem — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Messaoudi, Ilhem
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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.