Investigating how TREM2 affects immune responses during infections
Official title: Role of TREM2 in host defense and immunity during infection
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11111459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called TREM2 helps your immune system fight off infections, and by understanding this better, we hope to find new ways to improve treatments for infections and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,300 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with acute infections or those at risk for infections who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic infections or those not experiencing acute immune responses may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of TREM2, a receptor found on immune cells, in how the body defends itself against infections. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to modify genes, the study aims to understand how TREM2 interacts with other proteins to activate immune responses. The research focuses on how TREM2 helps immune cells recognize and respond to pathogens, which could lead to new insights into treating infections and related diseases. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of immune mechanisms that could inform future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infections and better management of immune-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses through similar receptor studies, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lodoen, Melissa Bruckner — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lodoen, Melissa Bruckner
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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.