How nerve signaling affects healing after surgery
Official title: Neuroimmune signaling in surgical wound healing and modulation by regional anesthesia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10894113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nerve cells and the immune system work together to help surgical wounds heal better, and it's for anyone interested in improving recovery after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $397,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150680-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing surgical procedures who may experience impaired wound healing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or have no history of wound healing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between sensory neurons and the immune system during the healing of surgical wounds. It focuses on understanding how specific types of nerve cells, particularly nonpeptidergic afferents, influence the inflammatory response and healing process. By studying these interactions in detail, the research aims to identify potential new targets for improving wound healing outcomes. The approach includes using genetically modified mice to explore the role of certain immune molecules in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing strategies for surgical wounds, potentially reducing complications and healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nerve signaling in inflammation and healing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ritter Jones, Marsha Elizabeth — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ritter Jones, Marsha Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Neural signals in surgical wound healing and how regional anesthesia changes them
Researchers are studying how nerve signals and the immune system interact after surgery and how regional anesthesia might improve healing.
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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.