Understanding Brain and Immune Connections in Psychiatric Illness
Neural-immune Mechanisms and Synaptic Connectivity in Psychiatric Illness
This work explores how the immune system and brain connections contribute to psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, especially during adolescence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are learning more about the causes of schizophrenia to help develop new and better treatments. Our team previously found that certain genetic risks for schizophrenia involve how the immune system prunes connections in the brain. This project aims to deepen our understanding of these immune-brain connections and how they might make adolescents more vulnerable to psychiatric conditions. By focusing on specific immune molecules and brain development during adolescence, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent or treat these illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals with schizophrenia, particularly those who experienced onset during adolescence or early adulthood.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to innovative new treatments for schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses by targeting specific immune and brain pathways.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon the team's prior discoveries regarding genetic risk factors and neuroimmune mechanisms in schizophrenia, indicating a foundation of successful preliminary work.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Beth Ann — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Beth Ann
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.