How chronic alcohol use affects immune cells and their function
Official title: Impact of chronic alcohol consumption on the functional and epigenetic landscapes of monocytes and their progenitors
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11097778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term heavy drinking affects certain immune cells in the body, using monkeys to help us understand what happens in humans, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who have struggled with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $113,205 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AA028735-06S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who engage in chronic heavy drinking and may experience related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have not engaged in chronic heavy drinking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of chronic heavy drinking on immune cells, specifically monocytes and their progenitors. By using a rhesus macaque model that mimics human drinking behavior, the study aims to understand how chronic alcohol consumption alters the function and genetic regulation of these immune cells. The researchers will analyze changes in inflammatory responses and how these changes may lead to increased susceptibility to infections and impaired healing. This approach seeks to provide insights that could improve treatment strategies for individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of infections and healing issues in individuals with chronic alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in chronic alcohol users can lead to significant insights, but this specific approach using a primate model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Messaoudi, Ilhem — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Messaoudi, Ilhem
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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.