Investigating how brain and immune system interactions affect mental health disorders
Official title: Role of the brain-immune axis in neuropsychiatric disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10984973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain and immune system work together in people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome to see if this can help us understand mental health issues like autism and schizophrenia, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $350,157 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134797-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and those experiencing neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism or schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic predispositions to neuropsychiatric diseases or those not affected by the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connections between the brain and the immune system to better understand mental health disorders like autism and schizophrenia. It focuses on how the blood-brain barrier, which usually protects the brain from inflammation, may be compromised in certain conditions. By studying individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, the research aims to uncover how genetic factors influence these interactions and their impact on behavior. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting the immune system to improve mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that address the underlying immune mechanisms contributing to mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain-immune connection in mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, Jorge Ivan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, Jorge Ivan
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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.