Understanding how brain immune signals after injury affect inflammation and brain function
Official title: Mechanisms of type I interferon neuropathology following traumatic brain injury
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11381127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how brain immune cells called microglia react to traumatic brain injury and whether their interferon signals drive long-term inflammation and cognitive problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $454,482 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127844-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with a history of traumatic brain injury who could contribute samples or participate in related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-TBI conditions or those not suitable for immune or cognitive assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
After a traumatic brain injury, microglia can stay active for a long time and may contribute to lasting damage. The project aims to map how type I interferon signals control microglial behavior and how that impacts inflammation, neuron health, and thinking skills. Researchers will use models that mimic human brain injury to track signaling changes over time and test how modifying these signals might influence outcomes. This work could point to new ways to reduce secondary brain damage and improve recovery for patients who have suffered TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new therapies that lessen inflammation and improve cognitive recovery after traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows microglial responses and interferon signaling are linked to brain inflammation, supporting potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newell, Elizabeth — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Newell, Elizabeth
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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.