How Langerhans Cells and Nerves Affect Healing and Pain After Burns
Official title: Interplay Between Langerhans Cells and Sensory Neurons: Impact on Wound Healing and Nociception Following Burn Injuries
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11182723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how certain immune cells and nerve endings work together to influence wound healing, itching, and pain after a burn injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $330,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM155523-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying biological mechanisms of burn injury recovery, particularly those affected by chronic itch or pain after burns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
After a burn, specialized immune cells called Langerhans cells move to the skin and may play a key role in how wounds heal. These cells are often found near nerve endings that cause sensations like itching and pain, which can greatly affect a patient's comfort. We currently don't fully understand how Langerhans cells influence these processes. This work aims to uncover how different types of Langerhans cells affect healing, itching, and pain following a burn.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to manage wound healing, itching, and pain for people who have experienced burn injuries.
How similar studies have gone: This project uses novel genetic tools to precisely control cell activity, addressing a gap in current understanding of Langerhans cell function in burn recovery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akiyama, Tasuku — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Akiyama, Tasuku
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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.