How the body regulates inflammation through pain signaling
Official title: Regulation of inflammation by nociception
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10844800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nervous and immune systems work together to keep our skin healthy and reduce inflammation, which could help find new ways to treat pain and swelling for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,656,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AR085223-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic pain or inflammation-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between the nervous and immune systems in maintaining skin health and preventing excessive inflammation. It focuses on a specific neuro-immune circuit involving sensory neurons and regulatory T cells, which communicate through the production of enkephalins, natural pain-relieving substances. By understanding how these signals work, the research aims to identify new ways to manage inflammation and pain responses in the body. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for conditions related to pain and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve pain management and reduce inflammation for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neuro-immune interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendoza, Alejandra — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Mendoza, Alejandra
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.