How the nervous system affects immune responses after brain injuries

Nervous system control and regulation of the immune system following neurological insults

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10930849

This study looks at how injuries to the brain and nervous system, like strokes or head trauma, can weaken the immune system, focusing on the thymus gland that helps make immune cells, and it hopes to find ways to boost immune health for people recovering from these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10930849 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how damage to the central nervous system, such as from strokes or traumatic brain injuries, can suppress the immune system. It focuses on the thymus, an organ crucial for developing immune cells, and examines how various neurological insults impact its function. By studying the effects of these injuries, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind immune suppression and explore potential ways to reverse it. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve immune-modulating therapies following neurological events.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who have experienced neurological insults such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or have conditions like glioblastoma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-neurological conditions or those who have not experienced any form of neurological injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from neurological injuries by enhancing their immune responses.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of immune suppression following neurological injuries are not fully understood, similar research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in related contexts.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.