How inflammation affects the brain in people with major depressive disorder
Official title: Neural response to inflammatory challenge in major depressive disorder
Funded at Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-11079531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-lasting inflammation in the body might affect people with depression, and it involves giving participants an injection to see how their bodies and brains respond, so we can better understand the connection between inflammation and mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Laureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $687,903 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123652-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who may be experiencing chronic inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with major depressive disorder who do not exhibit signs of chronic inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic inflammation may contribute to major depressive disorder (MDD) by examining the body's response to inflammatory stimuli. Participants, including individuals with MDD and healthy controls, will receive an injection of a substance that triggers inflammation, and their blood will be tested to measure inflammatory markers. Additionally, brain scans will be conducted to observe how this inflammatory response impacts brain activity related to bodily sensations. The study aims to understand why some individuals with MDD remain in a state of chronic inflammation and how this affects their mental health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from major depressive disorder linked to inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between inflammation and depression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Savitz, Jonathan — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Savitz, Jonathan
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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.