Helping neutrophils mature to better fight sepsis
CD11c as a novel target to improve neutrophil effector functions and sepsis outcome
This project looks at a protein called CD11c to help neutrophils mature so they can fight infections more effectively in people with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has sepsis, researchers are focusing on a protein called CD11c that appears to help neutrophils (a key infection-fighting white blood cell) mature properly. In the lab they use animal sepsis models and bone marrow cell studies to see how CD11c affects neutrophil development and antimicrobial function. The team measures blood and tissue markers of neutrophil maturity and tests whether changing CD11c levels improves infection control and survival in those models. Results could point to new treatments or tests that identify patients with immature neutrophils who might need different care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future patient candidates would include hospitalized adults and children with sepsis, especially those with signs of immature or dysfunctional neutrophils.
Not a fit: People without sepsis or whose illness is not driven by immature neutrophils are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies or tests that boost neutrophil maturity and help reduce deaths and complications from sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work showed CD11c affects survival in mouse sepsis models, but using CD11c to improve neutrophil maturation as a therapy is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuki, Koichi — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yuki, Koichi
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 below.