Investigating how immune cells affect migraine treatments using CGRP.
Official title: The role of meningeal immune cells in the efficacy of CGRP-based migraine therapies
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11001228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain might affect how well new migraine treatments work, especially for those who experience migraine auras, to help find better ways to relieve migraine pain for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS129207-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic migraines, particularly those who experience aura.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from migraines or have other neurological disorders unrelated to migraine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between immune cell activation and the effectiveness of CGRP-based therapies for migraines. It focuses on how cortical spreading depression (CSD), which can trigger migraine auras, activates meningeal macrophages that may contribute to migraine pain. By analyzing the role of these immune cells and their interaction with CGRP signaling, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance migraine treatment. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how these therapies work and potentially improved treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective migraine treatments by targeting immune cell interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of CGRP in migraine therapies, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adi, Talia — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Adi, Talia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Meningeal pain and migraine brain hyperexcitability in people
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A basic science project to explore how blocking S1PR1 could help people who have both migraine and temporomandibular disorders by studying pain pathways in animal models.
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.