How a cell cleanup process in immune cells affects harmful inflammation in sepsis
ER-phagy regulation of immune response: mechanisms and significance
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11184246
This project looks at whether a cellular cleanup pathway in immune cells changes the dangerous inflammation that causes organ damage in people with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184246 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, researchers will study how a process called ER-phagy in immune cells controls release of inflammatory signals during sepsis. They will use mice genetically engineered to lack the ER-phagy receptor FAM134B to see effects on survival, lung injury, bacterial load, and levels of cytokines like IL-1β. The team will also compare findings with blood samples from people with sepsis to see if the same pathways are active in patients. Together, the animal and human sample work aims to link the cell-level cleanup process to inflammation and tissue injury in sepsis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be patients with sepsis or people hospitalized with severe infection who can provide blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People without infection or sepsis, or those unable to provide blood samples, would not directly benefit from participation in this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to limit harmful inflammation and reduce organ damage and deaths from sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Past research targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome has shown promise in preclinical models, but linking ER-phagy to NLRP3 activation in sepsis is a newer and relatively untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HU, GUOCHANG — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: HU, GUOCHANG
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.