How sex differences change immune responses in obesity
Sex-dependent innate immune mechanisms in type 2 immunity and obesity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE · NIH-11252875
This project looks at how male and female immune systems act differently in obesity to find ways to reduce inflammation and lower the chance of type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RIVERSIDE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252875 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone affected by obesity, the team is studying immune cells called macrophages and eosinophils and a protein named RELMα that seem to work differently in males and females. They are using models of diet-induced obesity and immune responses triggered by parasitic infections to see how these cell interactions protect against inflammation. The goal is to pin down the exact signals that promote the protective Th2-type immune response. Understanding these differences may point to new treatments that target immune pathways to improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or those at high risk for type 2 diabetes who are interested in immune-related treatment advances are the most likely eventual candidates for related therapies.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to obesity-driven inflammation or those needing immediate standard diabetes care are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new immune-based approaches to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in people with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies, including work from this team, have shown promising immune mechanisms, but translation to human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
RIVERSIDE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE — RIVERSIDE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NAIR, MEERA GOH — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE
- Study coordinator: NAIR, MEERA GOH
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus