How certain immune cells help the body tolerate infections while healing tissue damage
RELMalpha-expressing macrophages mediate host disease tolerance in mucosal infection
This study is looking at how a protein called RELMa, made by immune cells, helps protect the lungs during hookworm infections, even if it means the body isn't as good at fighting off the worms, and it's being tested in mice to learn more about its role in healing and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10834305 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific protein, Resistin-like molecule (RELM)a, produced by immune cells, helps the body manage infections caused by hookworms. By using a mouse model, the researchers aim to understand how RELMa can protect lung tissue from damage during infection, even if it means the body is less effective at killing the hookworms. The study involves advanced techniques like creating genetically modified mice and co-culturing immune cells to explore the role of RELMa in inflammation and tissue repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic infections or conditions that involve significant tissue inflammation and damage.
Not a fit: Patients with acute infections that do not involve helminths or those without significant tissue damage may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections while minimizing tissue damage, improving recovery outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune responses and tissue healing, but the specific approach of targeting RELMa in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair, Meera Goh — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Nair, Meera Goh
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.