TLR4-related membrane changes that drive long-lasting pain
Role of TLR4-lipid rafts in nociception
This work tests whether targeting tiny cholesterol-rich membrane patches (TLR4 lipid rafts) in nerve and immune cells can reduce ongoing pain after tissue or nerve injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286772 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, researchers are studying how nerve cells (DRG neurons), immune cells (macrophages), and spinal microglia reorganize their membranes after injury and create persistent signaling hubs that keep pain going. In lab models they track the formation of enlarged TLR4-containing lipid rafts and how those rafts bring together pain-promoting channels and receptors. The team interrupts or disrupts these TLR4-rafts to see how that changes pain-related nerve activity and pain behaviors in preclinical models. Findings will guide whether targeting these membrane complexes could become a new strategy to prevent or reverse chronic post-injury pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with persistent pain that began after tissue damage or nerve injury (for example neuropathic or post-injury chronic pain) would be the most likely candidates for future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain is unrelated to nerve or inflammation-driven sensitization (for example pain purely from mechanical structural issues without nerve sensitization) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that stop the cellular changes that make acute pain become chronic, reducing long-term pain after injury.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies targeting TLR4 or lipid rafts have reduced pain in animal models, but translating this multi-cellular membrane-targeting approach to humans remains untested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yaksh, Tony L. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Yaksh, Tony L.
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.