How energy regulation affects immune response after brain injury
Bioenergetic regulation of the innate immune response after TBI
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 ID | NIH-11003777 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are seeking innovative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those who do not have active inflammation may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
San Francisco, United States
- 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
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.