Understanding how immune cells move towards signals in the body

Signal relay during directed cell migration

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10856915

This study looks at how a type of white blood cell called neutrophils find their way to areas in the body that need help, like infections or injuries, by responding to chemical signals, and it aims to better understand how these cells work together to protect our health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10856915 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how human neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, detect and respond to chemical signals that guide their movement during immune responses. By studying how these cells communicate and propagate signals to each other, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind their directional migration. The approach involves examining the release of specific molecules, such as leukotriene B4, which help neutrophils move efficiently towards sites of injury or infection. This could provide insights into how the immune system functions in both health and disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing conditions related to immune response or inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-immune related conditions or those under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions involving inflammation and immune response, such as autoimmune diseases and infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune cell signaling and migration, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 2026-06-13 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.