Investigating how nerve and immune cell communication affects pain and lesions in endometriosis
Official title: Neuroimmune communication as a driver of lesion formation and macrophage colonization of the omentum in endometriosis-associated pain
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10864635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve and immune cells talk to each other in order to find new ways to help people with endometriosis manage their pain, using existing medications that don’t involve hormones or opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $254,610 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD115239-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with endometriosis who experience chronic pain and are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have endometriosis or those who are not experiencing pain related to the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of nerve and immune cell communication in the development of pain and lesions associated with endometriosis, a condition affecting many individuals with a uterus. The study aims to identify specific inflammatory signals and pathways activated in immune cells when stimulated by nerve signals. By using existing FDA-approved drugs, the research seeks to explore new non-hormonal and non-opioid treatment options that could provide long-term relief from endometriosis-related pain. The findings may lead to innovative therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of this painful condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for endometriosis-associated pain that minimize side effects compared to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting neuroimmune communication for pain management, suggesting that this approach could be effective in treating endometriosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fattori, Victor — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fattori, Victor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
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-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.