Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
Official title: Mechanisms of Microglial Facilitation of Recovery from Status Epilepticus
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11607998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how brain immune cells (microglia) help end severe seizures and repair brain damage, with potential new ideas for people who have had status epilepticus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $565,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS147433-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have experienced status epilepticus or those with severe, recurrent seizures could benefit from advances arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
There may be no direct benefit for individuals who have not experienced seizures or SE during the study period.
What this research studies
This project looks at how microglia, the brain’s immune cells, influence the end of prolonged seizures and the subsequent recovery process. Using behavioral tests, tissue analysis, gene activity measurements, and advanced in vivo imaging, researchers will explore how microglia and their P2RY12 receptors contribute to stopping seizures and aiding dendrite repair. The work aims to identify cellular targets that could be modulated to protect cognition after status epilepticus. The findings could point toward new strategies to lessen long-term brain injury in patients who suffer from SE.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets to help the brain stop seizures sooner and recover better, potentially reducing cognitive problems after status epilepticus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests microglia can influence seizure dynamics and recovery, but in vivo mechanisms are still being clarified and this study extends that knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eyo, Ukpong Bassey — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Eyo, Ukpong Bassey
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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.