Targeting the Alternative Complement Pathway to Help Inflammatory and Degenerative Eye Diseases
Official title: Synergistic Inhibition of the Complement Alternative Pathway by FHR Family Proteins
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-11435739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the body’s immune system buttons up the alternative complement pathway, with the goal of helping people who have autoimmune or degenerative conditions like dry age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $219,684 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI201756-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with autoimmune or degenerative conditions related to the complement system, particularly those at risk for or affected by dry age-related macular degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without complement-driven disease or without participation in future translational steps may not experience direct benefits from this basic/translational research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how Factor H proteins regulate the alternative pathway of the immune system and how the related FH proteins (FHRs) influence disease processes. By using models and human samples, scientists aim to understand how excess activity in this pathway contributes to autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including dry age-related macular degeneration. The study focuses on how FHRs interact with C3b and other components to control complement activity, with potential implications for new, more affordable therapies. The work will generate new insights that could guide future clinical strategies for patients with complement-driven diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for safer, more affordable treatments that modulate the complement system in autoimmune and degenerative diseases, potentially reducing inflammation and tissue damage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that modulating the complement pathway can impact disease activity in related conditions, but specific roles of FH family regulators and FHRs require further confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geisbrecht, Brian V — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Geisbrecht, Brian V
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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.