How immune cells at the brain's border shape neural connections in development and after injury
Meningeal type 2 immunity in cortical synapse remodeling during brain development and injury
This project looks at how a specific immune cell near the brain influences wiring of brain circuits that may relate to autism and recovery after brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11241982 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are studying immune cells called group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) that live in the meninges around the brain and release signaling molecules during early life and after injury. They use genetic mouse models to remove or alter these cells, 3-D imaging to watch synapse structure, and electrophysiology and behavior tests to measure how synapses and social memory are affected. The team also examines how these immune signals change after brain injury to learn whether they help or harm circuit remodeling. Findings are used to link molecular signaling, synapse function, and behavior with the goal of identifying targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism or individuals recovering from acquired brain injury could be future candidates for related clinical studies or for contributing samples to translational work.
Not a fit: This is primarily preclinical/basic research in animals and does not provide direct treatment or immediate benefit to patients now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to support healthy synapse development and improve recovery after brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show immune cells and cytokines can alter synapses and behavior, but focusing on meningeal ILC2s and their IL-13 signaling is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molofsky, Ari B — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Molofsky, Ari B
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.