The role of brain immune cells in behavior after brain injury
Official title: Brain Macrophages After Brain Injury Leads to Negative Behavioral Outcomes
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-10291314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain react after a traumatic brain injury and how these reactions might affect behavior, with the hope of finding new ways to help people recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $384,725 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS116601-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10291314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not suffered a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific immune cells in the brain, known as microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), respond to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how these responses may lead to negative behavioral outcomes. By analyzing changes in gene expression and interactions between these cells and blood vessels, the study aims to uncover the distinct roles of microglia and MDMs in the brain's inflammatory response and their effects on neuronal activity. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind behavioral deficits following TBI, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals suffering from behavioral issues following traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of immune cells in brain injury can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches, indicating that this area of study has potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Ying — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Li, Ying
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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.