Helping the body regrow lost tissue by targeting immune roadblocks
DISARMing the immunological barriers to regeneration in mammals
['FUNDING_R01'] · JACKSON LABORATORY · NIH-11258048
This work explores ways to quiet immune reactions that block adults from regrowing damaged tissues so people with amputations or severe injuries might heal more fully in the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JACKSON LABORATORY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BAR HARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258048 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers study why adult mammals usually scar instead of regrowing tissue by using a mouse fingertip model and high-resolution 3D imaging to track bone and soft-tissue regrowth. They compare sites that regenerate with those that fail and analyze which immune cells and signals are present at each site. The team uses histology and molecular tools to map immune networks that may promote or block regeneration. Lessons from salamander limb regeneration guide experiments aimed at reversing immune barriers in mammals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Potential eventual beneficiaries would include adults with fingertip amputations or other tissue loss who might receive immune-targeting regenerative treatments in future trials.
Not a fit: People needing immediate clinical care or those with conditions unrelated to tissue injury or amputation are unlikely to benefit from this basic laboratory research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that reduce scarring and enable regrowth of amputated digits or other damaged tissues.
How similar studies have performed: Animal work (salamanders and mouse fingertip models) shows natural regeneration and some promising immune-related findings, but immune-targeted regeneration therapies for humans remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
BAR HARBOR, UNITED STATES
- JACKSON LABORATORY — BAR HARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GODWIN, JAMES W — JACKSON LABORATORY
- Study coordinator: GODWIN, JAMES W
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.