How macrophages control inflammation and help tissues heal
Macrophage-mediated regulation of inflammation and tissue repair
This work looks at how immune cells called macrophages calm inflammation and help mucosal tissues recover after viral or chemical injury to benefit people with damaged mucosal linings.
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 ID | NIH-11377307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will examine how macrophages communicate with epithelial (lining) cells after damage to mucosal tissues such as airways or gut. They will use lab-grown organoids and animal models that mimic viral or chemical injury to track inflammatory signals and repair processes. The team aims to identify specific macrophage-derived molecules that limit inflammation and promote epithelial regeneration. Findings could point to targets for new treatments that speed healing and reduce harmful inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mucosal tissue damage—for example severe viral infections, inflammatory flares in the gut, or airway/gastrointestinal chemical injuries—are the kinds of patients who might benefit from future therapies stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are driven by unrelated genetic defects or diseases outside mucosal tissues may not see direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to reduce damaging inflammation and accelerate healing of mucosal tissues after infection or chemical injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows macrophages can influence healing in some tissues, but the specific macrophage–epithelial signaling pathways targeted here are largely novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franklin, Ruth a — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Franklin, Ruth a
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.