How the body's internal clock protein affects immune defense during infections
The role of circadian clock proteins in innate and adaptive immunity
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11161372
Looks at whether a clock protein called Rev‑Erb can improve immune responses to help people with serious infections like sepsis or pneumonia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11161372 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on a protein that controls the body's internal daily clock and how it changes immune cell behavior. In mouse experiments the team found that blue light and drugs that activate Rev‑Erb helped clear bacteria and reduced harmful inflammation in models of sepsis and pneumonia. The researchers are studying the nerve-and-light pathway that connects the eyes to immune tissues and testing how changing Rev‑Erb activity alters immune responses. If the mechanisms translate, they could point toward timed light exposure or drugs to help patients fight severe infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have, or are at high risk for, severe bacterial infections such as sepsis or pneumonia would be the most relevant candidates for future related trials.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to infection or immune function, or those not eligible for future light- or Rev‑Erb–targeted therapies, may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new light-based treatments or medicines that boost the immune system to clear infections and reduce severe sepsis complications.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies, including work from this team, showed that blue light and Rev‑Erb activation improved bacterial clearance and lowered inflammation in mice, but human testing is limited so far.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROSENGART, MATTHEW RANDALL — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ROSENGART, MATTHEW RANDALL
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.