Targeting CD14 to reduce inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis
Modulation of Inflammation in Osteoarthritis via CD14-mediated pattern recognition
This project explores whether blocking a molecule called CD14 can lower joint inflammation and pain in adults with osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10899561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will combine laboratory experiments and human samples to understand how CD14, an immune receptor, contributes to joint inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis. They will use animal models to see whether reducing CD14 improves joint damage and pain behaviors, and they will examine CD14 levels in patients' joint fluid and immune cells. The research will also study how CD14 interacts with other immune sensors that can directly stimulate pain-sensing nerves. Findings will guide whether targeting CD14 could become a new treatment approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with osteoarthritis—especially those with knee OA and ongoing inflammatory joint pain—are the most likely candidates to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: People whose pain is not driven by inflammation, patients with end-stage joint destruction already needing joint replacement, or those without osteoarthritis are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that reduce joint inflammation and chronic pain in osteoarthritis patients.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies from this group and others show that lowering CD14 or related TLR signaling can reduce OA-related pain and joint changes, but human treatments targeting CD14 remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scanzello, Carla Rose — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Scanzello, Carla Rose
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.