Understanding how heparan sulfate affects immune response regulation
Official title: The Heparan Sulfate Landscape in Complement Regulation
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11139210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called heparan sulfate affects the immune system, especially how it interacts with certain proteins that help control immune responses, which could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by immune system problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,345 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185519-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration and other conditions linked to complement system dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to immune response or complement system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of heparan sulfate in regulating the complement system, which is crucial for the immune response. By examining how heparan sulfate interacts with proteins like Factor H and its related proteins, the study aims to clarify how these interactions influence immune responses and tissue damage. The research will utilize biochemical models to explore these interactions and their implications for diseases characterized by complement activation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for conditions related to immune dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diseases caused by improper immune responses, potentially reducing tissue damage and enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the complement system's role in immune regulation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Esko, Jeffrey D — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Esko, Jeffrey D
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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.