Understanding and preventing complications in childhood stroke

Childhood arterial ischemic stroke: role of TLR4-neutrophil axis in injury and hemorrhagic transformation

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11050412

This research explores how the body's immune response contributes to injury and bleeding after a stroke in children, aiming to find new ways to protect their brains.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050412 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

When blood flow returns to the brain after a stroke, it can sometimes cause more harm, especially if delayed. While treatments like mechanical thrombectomy help adults, we don't fully understand the risks and benefits for children with arterial ischemic stroke. This project uses advanced mouse models of childhood stroke to learn more about why delayed blood flow restoration can lead to bleeding and further brain damage. We are focusing on a specific immune pathway involving TLR4 and neutrophils to uncover the mechanisms behind these complications. Our goal is to identify new medicines that could reduce injury and prevent bleeding in children after a stroke.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding childhood arterial ischemic stroke, which could eventually benefit children aged 0-11 who experience this condition.

Not a fit: Patients without childhood arterial ischemic stroke or those outside the age range of focus for this condition may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect children from brain injury and bleeding complications after a stroke, improving their long-term outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Knowledge about the specific mechanisms of adverse effects from late blood flow restoration in childhood stroke is currently very limited, making this a novel and important area of exploration.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.