NIH-funded research R21 grant

How macrophages respond to radiation exposure

Official title: RNA and DNA sensors in the response of macrophages to ionizing radiation

Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11088734 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how radiation affects important immune cells called macrophages, which help control inflammation, to find new ways to treat inflammation caused by radiation exposure, so patients can have better options for managing their symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bethesda, United States)
Project startMay 15, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$199,469
NIH project number5R21AI173847-02
Project IDNIH-11088734 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to ionizing radiation and are experiencing related inflammatory conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been exposed to ionizing radiation or do not have inflammatory responses related to such exposure may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to ionizing radiation affects macrophages, which are key immune cells involved in inflammation. The study focuses on understanding the signaling mechanisms that lead to the activation and polarization of these cells in response to radiation. By examining the role of specific DNA and RNA sensors, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to manage inflammation caused by radiation exposure. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for radiation-induced inflammatory conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for managing inflammation caused by radiation exposure.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune responses to radiation, but this specific approach focusing on RNA and DNA sensors is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
    Bethesda, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Iordanskiy, Sergey — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
  • Study coordinator: Iordanskiy, Sergey

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Cooperation partners of SETBP1 in AML development

    This grant explores how SETBP1 and AF9 (MLLT3) work together to drive acute myeloid leukemia and whether targeting related epigenetic regulators could help treat aggressive CK-AML.

    NIH research Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11625528

  • U.S. Military HIV Research Program Clinical Trials Unit expansion

    A nationwide network of clinical trial sites is being expanded to test HIV prevention and treatment approaches through DAIDS-supported trials.

    NIH research Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11609389

  • Novel protein biomarkers of chronic pain in adults using a pain registry biobank

    A study in adults with chronic pain will look for new protein biomarkers in blood samples to understand better why pain persists and how to improve treatment.

    NIH research Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11498721

  • Tailored antibody cures for HIV using AI and vaccines

    A study to design personalized antibody-based strategies to achieve HIV remission, using lab experiments and computer models to tailor vaccines or antibody treatments to individuals or small groups.

    NIH research Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11483233

  • Understanding how antibody protection works using 3D protein structures

    Researchers will build a 3D-based method to see which viral features relate to prevention by antibodies, using data from people in HIV vaccine and monoclonal antibody trials.

    NIH research Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11470978

  • Military HIV Clinical Network

    This program runs HIV and TB prevention and treatment clinical studies for adults in military-associated and high-HIV-burden communities.

    NIH research Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · Bethesda, United States · NIH-11459071

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.