Understanding how liver cells affect immune and metabolic functions during sepsis
Official title: Novel role of LSECs in hepatic immune and metabolic function during sepsis
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11067757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain liver cells help the body fight infections during sepsis and how a specific protein called HSPA12B affects their function, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with liver problems caused by sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,759 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are experiencing sepsis or are at high risk for developing sepsis, particularly those with liver dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious causes of liver disease or those not experiencing sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in the body's immune and metabolic responses during sepsis, a severe condition caused by infections. The study focuses on a specific protein, HSPA12B, which is crucial for the proper functioning of these liver cells. By examining how the absence of this protein affects liver function and the body's response to bacterial infections, the research aims to uncover new insights into the mechanisms of sepsis. This could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for patients suffering from sepsis-related liver dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sepsis, potentially reducing mortality and enhancing recovery for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of LSECs in sepsis is not extensively studied, related research on liver function during infections has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaohui — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaohui
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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.