Exploring the use of tiny vesicles called exosomes for treating inflammation-related diseases.
Official title: BLRD Merit Review Research Career Scientist Award
Funded at Louisville VA Medical Medical Center · NIH-11063280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles called exosomes can help deliver treatments for inflammation-related diseases like brain inflammation, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and liver issues in veterans, with the hope of making these conditions easier to manage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisville VA Medical Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6BX006563-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans experiencing inflammation-related conditions such as Gulf War Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-inflammatory conditions or those not affiliated with the VA may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of exosomes, which are tiny vesicles released from various cells, as potential therapeutic vehicles for treating inflammation-related diseases in veterans. The focus is on conditions such as brain inflammation, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. By targeting the delivery of therapeutic agents specifically to microglia, the research aims to improve treatment outcomes for these challenging conditions. The study builds on extensive prior work, with over 60 published manuscripts supporting the investigation of these innovative treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for veterans suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using exosomes for therapeutic delivery, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisville VA Medical Medical Center
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Huang-Ge — Louisville VA Medical Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Huang-Ge
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how exosomes from rheumatoid arthritis cells contribute to bone damage
This study is looking at how tiny particles called exosomes from cells in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone damage, and it hopes to find ways to block these effects to help improve joint health for those living with the condition.
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Exploring new treatments for liver disease caused by alcohol consumption
This study is looking at how certain healthy fats, like omega-3s, might help people with alcohol-related liver disease by reducing inflammation and helping the liver heal.
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.