Understanding how inflammation affects fear responses in PTSD
Official title: Inflammatory challenge and fear extinction: A model to enhance understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder
Funded at Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-11004251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the body might affect the way people with PTSD learn to overcome their fears, and it’s for anyone who has experienced trauma and wants to understand how their body might be impacting their healing process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $586,923 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH135076-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma and are diagnosed with PTSD, as well as trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced trauma or do not have PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between inflammation and fear extinction in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It aims to understand how acute inflammatory responses can impair the ability to learn and recall fear inhibition, which is crucial for effective PTSD treatment. By examining both men and women who have experienced trauma, the study seeks to identify the mechanisms through which inflammation influences fear responses. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies that incorporate anti-inflammatory interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD by targeting inflammation to enhance fear extinction processes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that inflammation can negatively impact fear extinction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern California Institute/res/edu
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donovan, Aoife — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: O'donovan, Aoife
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Inflammation and fear learning in PTSD
This study looks at how a temporary inflammatory challenge affects fear extinction in people with and without PTSD to better understand how PTSD could be treated.
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How inflammation affects the ability to unlearn fear in PTSD
This work sees if a short-term rise in inflammation makes it harder for trauma-exposed men and women, with or without PTSD, to unlearn fearful responses.
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Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
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Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
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Computationally mapping PTSD to better diagnosis and personalized care
A research project uses computer tools to find brain-based patterns that could help diagnose PTSD more clearly and tailor treatments for Veterans and others with PTSD.
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.