Understanding how immune cells adapt to infections
Official title: The IRF regulatory network in innate immune training of macrophages
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11133932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages learn from past infections to better fight off future ones, which could help develop new ways to boost the immune system for people who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $643,718 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI185026-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that compromise their immune system or those at high risk for infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable immune function and no history of recurrent infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how macrophages, key immune cells, adapt their responses to infections based on their previous encounters with pathogens. By examining the changes in the macrophage's genetic material, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind 'innate immune training,' which enhances the cells' ability to fight off future infections. The researchers will focus on specific proteins that regulate these changes and how they work together to influence immune responses. This could lead to new strategies for improving immune function in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infections by enhancing the immune response in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell training, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffmann, Alexander — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hoffmann, Alexander
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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.