Langerhans Cells and Nociception in Burn Wounds
Official title: Interplay Between Langerhans Cells and Sensory Neurons: Impact on Wound Healing and Nociception Following Burn Injuries
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11377584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how nerve signals and a skin immune cell type called Langerhans cells interact to influence healing and itch/pain after burns, using mouse models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $330,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM155523-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with burn injuries in whom future, related therapies could be applicable after validation in humans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with burns not represented by the specific cellular pathways studied may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how Langerhans cells in the skin communicate with nearby nerve fibers to affect wound healing, itch, and pain after burns. The team uses light-activated and drug-activated tools to selectively turn Langerhans cells on or off in mice, aiming to pinpoint which cell subsets influence recovery and sensations. By uncovering these cellular interactions, the research could point to new ways to improve healing and comfort for burn patients. The work is conducted in a mouse model, with a clear focus on mechanisms that could translate to human care in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to speed healing and reduce itch and pain for burn patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in similar models have shown that immune-nerve interactions can influence healing and sensations, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akiyama, Tasuku — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Akiyama, Tasuku
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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.