Reducing immune exhaustion in sepsis
Modulation of innate immune exhaustion during sepsis
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11285209
This project aims to reverse or prevent immune cells from becoming exhausted in people with sepsis so they can control infections without causing extra inflammation and organ damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285209 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would hear that the team studies a particular type of white blood cell (monocytes) that becomes both immune-suppressive and highly inflammatory during sepsis, calling them “exhausted memory monocytes.” They combine lab experiments in animals with computer analyses and single-cell RNA sequencing of blood cells from septic patients to map how these cells change. The researchers are studying a signaling molecule called TRAM that helps produce these exhausted cells and have seen that removing TRAM lessens sepsis in animals. Using those findings, they plan experiments to find ways to shift monocytes back toward healthy behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people hospitalized with sepsis or sepsis survivors who can provide blood samples and clinical information for comparison with experimental findings.
Not a fit: People without sepsis or those with end-stage irreversible organ failure are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower organ damage, reduce secondary infections, and improve recovery and survival for people with sepsis by restoring a balanced immune response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-target anti- or pro-inflammatory treatments in sepsis largely failed, and this approach focusing on exhausted monocytes and the TRAM pathway is relatively new and has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV — BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, LIWU — VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV
- Study coordinator: LI, LIWU
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 below.