How immune cells help heal and regulate inflammation in tissues
Official title: Macrophage-mediated regulation of inflammation and tissue repair
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11077991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells called macrophages help reduce inflammation and heal damaged tissues, especially in areas like the gut that can get hurt by viruses or chemicals, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,624 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM150816-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve mucosal tissue damage or chronic inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-inflammatory conditions or those not involving mucosal tissues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in managing inflammation and aiding tissue repair, particularly in mucosal tissues that are often exposed to damage. The study will explore how these cells interact with epithelial cells after injuries caused by viruses or chemicals. Using both live animal models and lab-grown organoid systems, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which macrophages influence inflammation and promote healing. This could lead to new insights into how to enhance tissue repair processes in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions involving tissue damage and inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in tissue repair, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franklin, Ruth a — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Franklin, Ruth 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.