How energy regulation affects immune response after brain injury
Official title: Bioenergetic regulation of the innate immune response after TBI
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-11003777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme in immune cells might affect healing after a brain injury, and it aims to find out if blocking this enzyme can help reduce inflammation and improve recovery for people with traumatic brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006251-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those who do not have active inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the regulation of energy metabolism in immune cells, specifically microglia and macrophages, can impact recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). By focusing on a specific enzyme, hexokinase-2, the study aims to determine if inhibiting this enzyme can reduce harmful inflammation and improve healing outcomes in a mouse model of TBI. Researchers will analyze changes in gene expression, cytokine levels, and neural damage to understand the effects of this intervention. The ultimate goal is to identify potential treatments that could enhance recovery for individuals suffering from brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve recovery and reduce long-term damage in patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in immune cells to mitigate inflammation, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swanson, Raymond a — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Swanson, Raymond a
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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.