How sex and stress hormones affect immune cells in the adrenal glands
Official title: Sex and stress hormones control adrenal gland macrophage development and function"
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11180755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term stress and what we eat can affect the immune cells in our adrenal glands, which help produce important hormones, and it aims to find out how these factors might lead to heart and metabolic problems, with hopes of discovering new ways to help people stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,645 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI165553-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals under 21 years old who are experiencing stress-related health issues or have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing stress-related health issues or who are over 21 years old may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic stress and dietary factors influence the development and function of immune cells in the adrenal glands, which are crucial for hormone production. By examining the effects of stress responses, such as cold exposure and high-fat diets, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The research utilizes animal models to explore the relationship between stress, immune cell behavior, and hormone regulation, providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases linked to stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of stress and immune responses in cardiovascular diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Jesse Warren — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Williams, Jesse Warren
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.