Macrophage metabolism and septic shock in humans
Official title: Macrophage immunometabolism controls septic shock
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11325037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Boston Children’s Hospital will explore how immune cells’ metabolism affects severe infection (septic shock) and whether targeting this metabolic pathway could help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 22, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $605,103 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170632-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults or children with sepsis or at risk of septic shock, and researchers studying inflammatory mechanisms in humans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without septic complications or those not connected to immune-metabolic pathways may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how immune cells respond to bacterial components and host signals, and how these interactions change cellular metabolism during septic shock. They will test whether manipulating metabolic checkpoints in phagocytes can reduce hyper-inflammatory responses. The work uses existing human tissue signals and animal/cell studies to understand potential therapeutic targets. If successful, findings could guide new anti-inflammatory strategies for patients with septic shock.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially new metabolic-based therapies to blunt dangerous inflammation in septic shock.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows metabolism and inflammation are linked in immune cells, supporting potential benefits of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanoni, Ivan — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zanoni, Ivan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Personalized vasopressor therapy for septic shock
A clinician-scientist at Cleveland Clinic aims to tailor vasopressor treatment for septic shock patients using patient-specific factors.
-
Angiotensin-based treatment strategy in septic shock
A clinical trial will compare giving Angiotensin II versus standard norepinephrine to support blood pressure in septic shock patients, aiming to improve outcomes.
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Percutaneous stellate ganglion stimulation to support blood pressure in septic shock
A small, portable neuromodulation device would be tested to help people with septic shock maintain blood pressure while doctors adjust medicines.
-
Blood transfusions and organ failure in children with septic shock
This project looks at how a child’s circulation, immune status, and the type of red blood cells given affect recovery and organ problems during septic shock in young children.
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How immune cell metabolism affects septic shock
This study is looking at how the way immune cells use energy affects the body's reaction to septic shock, which can happen after a severe infection, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with sepsis feel better by reducing harmful inflammation.
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.