How eye surface nerves, immune cells, and surface cells keep the eye healthy
Assessing how ocular surface nerves, immune cells, and epithelial cells communicate to encourage neuro-immune homeostasis
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11180229
Researchers are mapping how nerves, immune cells, and surface cells on the eye work together to better understand and prevent problems like dry eye, corneal damage, graft rejection, and surface pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180229 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect tissue and sample data from healthy and diseased eye surfaces to build large cell and molecular datasets. They will use advanced gene and protein tests, imaging, and computer learning tools to show which cells talk to each other and how those signals change with disease. The team will look at anatomy, cell types, and how those cells function to create a detailed map of the ocular surface environment. These findings aim to point to new targets for treatments and diagnostics for common surface eye conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with dry eye disease, corneal inflammation or injury, recent corneal transplant, or chronic ocular surface pain would be the most relevant candidates to contribute samples or participate.
Not a fit: People without ocular surface disease or whose eye condition is unrelated to surface nerves are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to prevent or treat dry eye, corneal inflammation, transplant rejection, and chronic ocular surface pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous omics and neuroimmune studies have given useful insights into eye surface disease, but a full systems-level map integrating nerves, immune, and epithelial cells is a newer and expanding approach.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ST LEGER, ANTHONY J — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: ST LEGER, ANTHONY J
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.