How immune cells in the brain affect its development and recovery from injury

Meningeal type 2 immunity in cortical synapse remodeling during brain development and injury

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11002717

This study is looking at special immune cells in the brain to see how they help the brain grow and heal after injuries, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like autism and brain injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11002717 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of immune cells in the brain, particularly focusing on how they influence brain development and recovery after injuries. It examines a specific type of immune cell, known as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which are found in the brain's protective layers and are activated during critical periods of brain development. By studying these cells and their interactions with brain structures, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better understanding and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and the effects of brain injuries.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old with autism spectrum disorders or those who have experienced acquired brain injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders unrelated to immune dysregulation or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders and improved recovery methods for brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injuryautism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorderAutistic Disorderautistic spectrum disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.