HDAC6's role in immune cells during sepsis

HDAC6 regulation of myeloid cell responses in sepsis

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11163439

This work looks at whether blocking a protein called HDAC6 can help immune cells work better and improve survival in sepsis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11163439 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will use mouse models and isolated immune cells to study how the protein HDAC6 changes myeloid (innate immune) cell behavior during sepsis. They will remove or inhibit HDAC6 specifically in myeloid cells and then expose the animals or cells to septic conditions to see how immune responses change. The team will examine cell signaling, metabolism, epigenetic marks, and cell survival to understand why HDAC6 affects immune function. If the lab results are promising, they could inform development of new treatments that target HDAC6 for people with sepsis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People who have sepsis or are at high risk of developing sepsis would be the eventual candidates for therapies based on this work.

Not a fit: People without sepsis or whose illness is driven primarily by non-immune mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new therapies that protect immune cells and improve survival in sepsis.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies have shown promising effects of HDAC6 deletion or inhibition on immune responses and survival, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

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.