Integrating immune and brain reward biology in veterans with mood problems
Official title: Integrating Immune Dysregulation and Reward Circuitry in Veterans with Mood Disorders and Suicide"
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11320777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in veterans with mood disorders looks at how the immune system and brain reward circuits may work together to drive depression and suicide risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who are veterans and have affective disorders, including depression and related symptoms like anhedonia.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without mood disorders or whose condition is unrelated to immune or brain reward dysregulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how immune signals in the blood relate to activity in the brain's reward networks in veterans with mood disorders. Researchers will examine peripheral immune factors and how they interact with neural responses to reward, using findings to identify potential markers for depression and suicidality. The study builds on prior work showing that immune changes and brain reward dysfunction are linked to worse mood and higher suicide risk, and seeks to map these connections more clearly in humans. Participation may involve blood tests and brain imaging, with careful attention to safety and privacy in a VA setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better ways to identify veterans at risk and tailor treatments that target both immune and brain reward pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked peripheral immune changes and brain reward dysfunction to depression and suicide risk, suggesting this approach is promising but will require confirmation in veterans.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szeszko, Philip R — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Szeszko, Philip R
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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.