How stress affects muscle pain through immune system interactions
Official title: Chronic Stress Induces Neuroimmune Modulated Primary Muscle Afferent Sensitization
Funded at University of New England · NIH-10754766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term stress might cause muscle pain by affecting the immune system, and it's designed for people who experience chronic pain related to stress, with hopes of finding new ways to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $390,500 |
| NIH project number | 7R21NS125484-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain alongside high levels of stress or anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or stress-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic stress and muscle pain, focusing on how the immune system may play a role in this connection. It aims to understand how stress activates immune cells and increases inflammation, which can lead to heightened sensitivity and pain in muscles. By using a novel mouse model that simulates stress without physical pain, the study will explore the effects of immune responses on muscle pain behaviors. The findings could provide insights into new treatment strategies for individuals suffering from chronic pain linked to stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing chronic pain associated with stress.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have indicated a connection between stress, immune response, and chronic pain, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Queme Cobar, Luis Fernando — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Queme Cobar, Luis Fernando
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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.