Understanding how certain proteins affect damage after spinal cord injuries
Official title: Role of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-23 in secondary damage after spinal cord injury
Funded at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · NIH-10951514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called IL-12 might make things worse after a spinal cord injury by causing inflammation and damage, and it hopes to find ways to help improve treatment for people with these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004039-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury and are dealing with the consequences of inflammation and tissue damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not suffered a spinal cord injury or those with chronic conditions unrelated to inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL-12, in causing further damage after spinal cord injuries (SCI). It aims to understand how these proteins contribute to inflammation and tissue loss, which can worsen the condition of patients. The study will explore the mechanisms by which IL-12 affects astrocytes, a type of brain cell, and how this signaling can lead to both harmful and beneficial immune responses. By identifying these processes, the research seeks to inform future treatments that could mitigate secondary damage following SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce inflammation and improve recovery outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting inflammatory responses can improve outcomes in spinal cord injury, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swartz, Karin — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Swartz, Karin
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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.