Schwann cell exosome treatment for traumatic brain injury
Human Schwann Cell-Derived Exosome Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury
This work gives tiny particles made from human Schwann cells into the bloodstream to try to reduce brain damage and help people recover after severe traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173723 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers grow human Schwann cells in the lab to collect exosomes, which are small packets of biologically active molecules, and deliver them intravenously after severe TBI in established models. They will test different doses and timing to find the treatment window that best reduces secondary injury. Outcomes will include measures of brain tissue damage, inflammation, and long-term behavior to see if the treatment protects cells and improves recovery. The team is using FDA‑compatible cell protocols and has prior compassionate‑use experience with these exosomes to support translation toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently experienced a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, especially in the acute to subacute period after the event, would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People with only mild concussion, chronic long‑standing brain injury, or non‑traumatic neurological conditions are less likely to benefit from this specific therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower inflammation and tissue loss after TBI and improve long‑term functional recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory data and a compassionate‑use IND in a different neurodegenerative condition suggest potential, but clinical trials of exosome therapy for TBI remain novel and limited.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dietrich, W Dalton — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Dietrich, W Dalton
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.