Fh15-based therapy to calm inflammation in sepsis and ulcerative colitis
Official title: Elucidating Fh15-Mediated Modulation of TLR4/NF-kB in Neutrophils to SuppressInflammation in Sepsis and Ulcerative colitis
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11424600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project tests a molecule from a parasitic organism (Fh15) to reduce harmful inflammation in adults with sepsis or ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $149,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R16AI203189-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with sepsis or inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis who may be candidates for anti-inflammatory biologic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without inflammatory complications or those who do not respond to anti-inflammatory strategies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how Fh15, a protein from Fasciola hepatica, can dampen inflammatory signals in the body. Using adult human cells and animal models, researchers study how Fh15 acts as a TLR4 antagonist to reduce cytokine storms and neutrophil activity. The work includes examining effects in models of sepsis and colitis, with attention to safety and potential translation to human care. If successful, this approach could lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies for serious conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with sepsis or ulcerative colitis might have fewer inflammatory complications and better disease control with a new therapeutic option.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed anti-inflammatory effects of Fh15 in animal models and human neutrophils, with a patent arising from prior work, indicating progress and potential feasibility.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espino, Ana M — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Espino, Ana M
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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.