Understanding How Cell Signals Work in Disease

Structures and Interactions of Chemokine Receptors

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11088706

This research aims to understand how certain cell signals, called chemokines, and their receptors contribute to various diseases, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088706 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our long-term goal is to uncover the detailed ways that chemokines and their receptors function in different health problems. We are working to turn this knowledge into new treatment approaches that could benefit patients. Recently, we designed new molecules that act on a specific receptor, CXCR4, and have been studying how they work in models of neurodegenerative disease. We are also exploring new ways to improve these molecules to create potential new medicines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients at this stage, but it is relevant to individuals living with various conditions impacted by cell signaling pathways.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of entirely new medications and treatment strategies for a range of diseases where chemokine signaling plays a role.

How similar studies have performed: This project has been continuously funded and successful for over two decades, indicating significant progress and promising results in understanding chemokine receptor mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.