How the body senses cell injury through a new danger-signal receptor
Immunobiology of a novel human DAMP receptor, its murine homolog, & their ligand
This project looks at whether a newly found immune receptor in people senses a common protein released by injured cells and sets off inflammation that can damage tissues like the brain and heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291344 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine a human immune receptor called Clec17a, its mouse counterparts CD209f/g, and a widely present protein called GAPDH that may act as the alarm signal when cells are injured. They will use biochemical binding tests and structural biology to see how the receptor and GAPDH interact. Experiments in mice will test whether blocking the receptor reduces sterile inflammation and tissue damage after injury. The team will also analyze human immune cells and clinical samples to determine whether the same pathway operates in people with injuries such as stroke or heart attack.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced recent tissue injury (for example stroke or myocardial infarction) or who can donate blood or tissue samples for research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Individuals without conditions involving acute tissue injury or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new target to reduce harmful inflammation after tissue injury and help limit damage from stroke, heart attack, or other injury-related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other DAMP receptors have been linked to sterile inflammation and modulating them helped in preclinical models, but Clec17a and its interaction with GAPDH is a newly described pathway not yet tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Jiann-Jyh — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Lai, Jiann-Jyh
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.