How the protein IL-38 controls fever and inflammation
Pathogenesis of Fever in Man
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11168734
This work is seeing if IL-38 can calm inflammation and fever in people with autoimmune and other inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11168734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We use gene-edited mice that lack IL-38 to see whether missing this protein makes inflammatory disease and fever worse. Where disease is worse in those mice, we give back human IL-38 to test whether it reduces inflammation. We also study two related receptors (IL-1R6 and IL-1R9) to learn how IL-38 works in the immune system. The experiments combine CRISPR mouse models and laboratory immune measurements to guide possible future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune or other inflammatory conditions who have fevers or uncontrolled inflammation would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: People with conditions that are not driven by inflammation, or those seeking immediate treatment today, are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that use IL-38 or similar drugs to reduce harmful inflammation and fever in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown IL-38 can suppress inflammatory cytokines, but translating this into therapies for patients is still novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DINARELLO, CHARLES ANTHONY — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: DINARELLO, CHARLES ANTHONY
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.
Conditions: Aortic valvular disorders, Autoimmune Diseases