How brain immune cells (microglia) and the anti-inflammatory protein IL-10 affect inflammation-related sleep problems
The mechanistic role of microglia and IL10 in the regulation of pathological sleep disturbances
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-11389453
This project will see if microglia and the anti-inflammatory protein IL-10 can reduce sleep problems caused by inflammation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11389453 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse models to create inflammation-driven sleep disruption by giving an immune trigger (LPS), then change microglia levels and give IL-10 to observe effects on sleep and brain inflammation. They record sleep patterns (including NREM sleep), measure inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules in the brain, and look for signs of microglial activation. Early lab results showed mice without microglia have larger inflammatory responses and altered sleep after immune challenge, and IL-10 reduced those sleep changes. The team plans to define how microglia and IL-10 break the harmful loop between inflammation and poor sleep to guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic or unexplained sleep disturbances thought to be linked to inflammation (for example after infections or with inflammatory conditions) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose sleep problems are caused mainly by obstructive sleep apnea, clear structural airway issues, or purely behavioral insomnia unrelated to inflammation may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent or reduce inflammation-driven sleep disturbances by targeting microglia or IL-10.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies, including preliminary results from this lab, suggest that changing microglial activity and giving IL-10 can alter sleep in inflammation models, but these approaches have not yet been tested or proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO — Boulder, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROWE, RACHEL KATHLEEN — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- Study coordinator: ROWE, RACHEL KATHLEEN
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.