Stem cell–derived particles that calm brain immune cells after traumatic brain injury
Defining the mechanisms of MSC extracellular vesicle modulation of microglia metabolism and bioenergetics in traumatic brain injury recovery
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA · NIH-10925345
This project looks at whether tiny packages released by stem-like cells can calm brain immune cells and help people recover after traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATHENS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10925345 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one had a traumatic brain injury (TBI), researchers are studying tiny vesicles released by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-EVs) to see how they change the metabolism and energy use of brain immune cells called microglia. The team will prime MSCs with different signals to alter the vesicle surface and cargo, then test those vesicles in cell cultures and animal TBI models to see how they cross the blood-brain barrier and affect inflammation. They will measure inflammatory molecules, microglial activation states, metabolic markers, and functional recovery outcomes to identify protective mechanisms. The goal is to find ways to design safer, targeted therapies that deliver the helpful effects of MSCs without giving whole cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or continue to have TBI-related neurological symptoms would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Those with non-traumatic brain illness, active uncontrolled medical conditions, or who are not eligible for experimental biologic therapies may not receive benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to engineered MSC-derived vesicle treatments that reduce brain inflammation and improve recovery after TBI.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that MSC-EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation, but robust human clinical evidence is still limited.
Where this research is happening
ATHENS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA — ATHENS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEST, FRANKLIN D — UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
- Study coordinator: WEST, FRANKLIN D
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.