Sepsis-related DNA changes that may cause long-term immune weakness

Analyzing the long-term effects of DNA methylation meditated immunosuppression following sepsis

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11160639

This research looks at whether changes to DNA after sepsis lead to lasting immune weakness in people who survive sepsis.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11160639 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, researchers will collect blood samples and medical information from people who survived sepsis to measure DNA methylation and related enzyme activity. They will compare immune system function and rates of new infections, physical decline, and mood problems over time. The team will link molecular findings (like increased DNA methyltransferase activity) to clinical and psychosocial outcomes to understand how epigenetic changes affect recovery. This work combines lab-based measurements with patient follow-up to find patterns that explain long-term problems after sepsis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who survived sepsis (especially surgical sepsis), can provide blood samples, and are willing to attend follow-up visits and share health information.

Not a fit: People without a history of sepsis or those unable to give blood or attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work may identify biological markers and pathways that explain persistent immune problems after sepsis and point to ways to restore immune health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies and the investigator's preliminary data show DNA methylation changes and increased DNMT activity after sepsis, but translating these findings into ways to help patients is still novel and developing.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.