Neural immunoregulation of post-traumatic autoimmunity
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11394469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing summary describing how the immune system may contribute to chronic pain after injuries, with the goal of finding better ways to relieve long-lasting back and joint pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2016 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $515,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS094438-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with chronic low back pain or osteoarthritis could benefit from future treatments informed by these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits may not be available during early stages or if the research does not yet translate to human therapies.
What this research studies
This research explores how immune system signals may drive ongoing pain after injury, including muscle and joint conditions like chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis. By studying animal models and immune components such as autoantibodies and complement signals, the work aims to understand how immune processes might worsen pain and how they could be targeted to reduce symptoms. The team uses mouse fracture models to examine how immune cells and inflammatory signals interact with nerves to produce pain, with a focus on potential translation to human conditions. If successful, findings could point to new, safer approaches to manage chronic pain without removing joints.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that modulate the immune system to reduce chronic pain from injuries and arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown immune factors can influence pain; translation to humans is ongoing and promising but not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kingery, Wade S — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Kingery, Wade S
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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.