Understanding How Immune Signals Work
Structural Basis for Chemokine Function
This project helps us understand how signals in your body guide immune cells, which could lead to new ways to treat diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10977829 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies use special signals called chemokines to direct immune cells where they need to go, which is vital for fighting infections and maintaining health. This project aims to uncover the detailed ways these signals connect with cells, especially focusing on how they bind to specific cell receptors. By mapping out these complex interactions, we hope to find new targets for medicines that can either boost or calm the immune system. The goal is to overcome challenges in developing chemokine-based therapies by showing that these signals have unique, important roles. This deeper understanding could pave the way for more effective treatments for various conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medications that precisely control immune responses for a wide range of diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While GPCRs are common drug targets, developing effective chemokine-specific therapies has been challenging, making this a novel approach to overcome existing hurdles.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Volkman, Brian F — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Volkman, Brian F
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 below.