Understanding how interferon gamma affects nerve pain
Official title: Elucidating the role of interferon gamma production and signaling in the generation of neuropathic pain in human dorsal root ganglia
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11054542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called interferon gamma affects nerve pain, especially in women, by exploring which immune cells in the nerves produce it, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this kind of pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32NS134563-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropathic pain, particularly females, who may have a different response to interferon gamma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience neuropathic pain or have other unrelated pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of interferon gamma, a protein involved in immune responses, in causing neuropathic pain by examining human dorsal root ganglia (hDRG) neurons. The study aims to identify which immune cells in these neurons produce interferon gamma and how this contributes to pain mechanisms, particularly in females. By using advanced techniques like fluorescently activated cell sorting and RNA sequencing, the research seeks to uncover the molecular pathways involved in neuropathic pain, potentially leading to new treatments tailored for different sexes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for neuropathic pain, improving pain management for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune mechanisms in pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lesnak, Joseph — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Lesnak, Joseph
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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.