Investigating how itaconate affects inflammatory blood cell accumulation to prevent anemia
Official title: Itaconate mediated control of inflammatory hemophagocyte accumulation
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11078658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called itaconate, made by an enzyme named IRG1, helps manage certain immune cells that can cause severe anemia, with the goal of finding new ways to treat anemia linked to inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $11,039 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI178955-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe anemia related to chronic inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anemia not associated with inflammation or those with other unrelated blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the enzyme IRG1 and its product, itaconate, in controlling inflammatory blood cells that can lead to severe anemia. By understanding how itaconate influences the behavior of specific immune cells, the study aims to restore the balance between red blood cell production and clearance during inflammation. The research employs mouse models to examine the transition of monocytes into specialized inflammatory hemophagocytes, which are implicated in the development of anemia. This could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for managing anemia associated with inflammatory conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or alleviate severe anemia in patients with inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of itaconate in this context are still being explored, similar approaches targeting inflammatory processes have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lichauco, Katrina — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Lichauco, Katrina
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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.