Understanding how human brain immune cells respond to alcohol
Official title: Chimera-BONCAT: A novel in vivo model for in-depth characterization of the human microglial response to alcohol
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-10869607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's immune cells react to alcohol, using human cells to help us understand the effects of alcohol use disorder on the brain better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $214,385 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA031559-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those interested in the effects of alcohol on brain health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the response of human microglial cells, which are the brain's immune cells, to alcohol exposure. Using a novel model called Chimera-BONCAT, the study aims to characterize the specific molecular changes that occur in these cells when exposed to alcohol. By utilizing human cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, the research seeks to provide insights that are more relevant to human health compared to traditional rodent models. The goal is to better understand the neuroimmune mechanisms involved in alcohol use disorder and its effects on the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on alcohol's effects on the brain, this specific approach using human microglial cells is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Stanley M — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Stanley M
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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.