Investigating how sex differences affect brain immune responses and vulnerability to childhood brain injuries
Official title: Sex differences in neuroimmune function and developmental vulnerability to early life traumatic brain injury
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10773186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how traumatic brain injuries in kids can affect their brains differently based on whether they are boys or girls, focusing on how certain immune cells might play a role in their recovery and long-term behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,937 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130517-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10773186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or are over the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, focusing on how sex differences influence neuroimmune responses and long-term outcomes. By studying the role of immune cells, particularly microglia and mast cells, in the developing brain, the project aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to behavioral and cognitive issues following TBI. The research involves animal models to analyze how these immune responses differ between sexes and how they may contribute to vulnerabilities in children. The findings could help identify targeted interventions for those affected by TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for children suffering from the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding neuroimmune responses in brain injuries, but this specific focus on sex differences and mast cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lenz, Kathryn M. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Lenz, Kathryn M.
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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.