Monocytes in the brain may worsen the effects of severe seizures
Official title: Brain-invading monocytes promote the deleterious consequences of status epilepticus
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11001911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called monocytes enter the brain during and after severe seizures, and how they might contribute to inflammation and memory problems; by finding ways to stop these cells from getting in, researchers hope to help people who experience these seizures and prevent future issues like epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $307,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS112350-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced status epilepticus and are at risk of developing epilepsy or cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced status epilepticus or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain immune cells, specifically monocytes, invade the brain during and after episodes of status epilepticus (SE), a severe type of seizure. The study aims to understand the role these monocytes play in causing inflammation and cognitive deficits following seizures. By blocking the infiltration of these cells, researchers hope to reduce the negative consequences of SE, including the development of epilepsy. The approach involves examining the interactions between the immune system and brain cells to identify potential new treatments for patients affected by SE.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate cognitive dysfunction and prevent the onset of epilepsy in patients who experience severe seizures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune responses in the brain can lead to improvements in neurological outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varvel, Nicholas — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Varvel, Nicholas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
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.
-
ARISEN Network pilot funding to advance autoimmune encephalitis and NORSE care
A pilot grants program within the ARISEN network offers small funding to researchers to speed up clinical trials and improve management and treatment of autoimmune encephalitis, Rasmussen syndrome, and NORSE.
-
ARISEN Network: Better Diagnosis and Treatment for Autoimmune Brain Inflammation in Children
A large team at Emory is building ways to diagnose autoimmune brain inflammation in kids earlier and tailor treatments to improve outcomes.
-
ARISEN Network: Patient-centered outcomes in autoimmune brain inflammation and status epilepticus
A nationwide registry study from Emory will collect patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes to understand how neuroinflammatory brain diseases affect people and what helps them most.
-
ARISEN: A regional network to understand autoimmune brain diseases in kids
A national, multi-center effort follows children with autoimmune brain diseases to better understand how their condition progresses and how it affects thinking and everyday life.
-
ARISEN: Advancing research on autoimmune brain diseases and neuroinflammation
This grant supports a Career Enhancement Core to train the next generation of clinician-scientists studying autoimmune brain diseases like autoimmune encephalitis, Rasmussen’s syndrome, and NORSE, with a focus on pediatric cases.
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.