Understanding how inflammation affects brain function after repeated head injuries
Official title: Neuroinflammatory Status as a Driver of Pathophysiology Following Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-11075795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated head injuries, like concussions, affect the brain's immune cells and overall brain health, using pigs to help us understand what happens and how we might improve treatment for people with these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006341-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced one or more traumatic brain injuries, including concussions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any form of traumatic brain injury are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neuroinflammation in the brain following repetitive traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as concussions. It aims to understand how changes in immune cells in the brain, specifically microglia, contribute to ongoing brain dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Using a porcine model that mimics human head injuries, the study will explore the effects of varying injury severities on brain health and recovery. The findings could lead to new insights into potential treatments for TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective treatments for improving recovery from traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuroinflammation's role in brain injuries, but this specific approach using a porcine model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cullen, Daniel Kacy — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cullen, Daniel Kacy
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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.