How the CCR2 protein affects knee osteoarthritis after injury
Role of CCR2 in osteoarthritis
This work explores whether blocking the CCR2/CCL2 pathway can reduce joint damage, inflammation, muscle weakness, and pain after knee injuries like ACL tears.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127615 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the CCL2/CCR2 signaling that draws inflammatory cells into injured knees and may drive cartilage damage, muscle loss, and pain after ACL injuries. Researchers will examine patient blood samples for CCL2 levels and follow outcomes after ACL reconstruction while running complementary animal experiments that block or remove CCR2. They will measure cartilage damage, macrophage-driven inflammation, muscle gene expression and strength, and pain-related changes to see how CCR2 influences recovery. The goal is to combine human data and lab models to determine whether targeting this pathway could protect multiple tissues after knee injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a knee injury or ACL reconstruction, or who are at risk for post‑traumatic osteoarthritis, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with osteoarthritis unrelated to joint injury or those unable to access the study site may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce inflammation, protect cartilage and muscle, and lower pain after knee injuries that often lead to post‑traumatic osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that blocking CCR2 can slow post‑traumatic OA progression and reduce pain, but CCR2‑targeting treatments in people remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longobardi, Lara — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Longobardi, Lara
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.