Understanding how macrophages respond to danger signals in the body
Official title: Probing macrophage cell nucleotide sensing and calcium signaling through computation
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11086864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a molecule called ATP helps immune cells called macrophages work, especially in conditions like cancer and heart problems, to find better ways to manage chronic inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,836 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148284-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases, including cancer and cardiac dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute inflammatory conditions or those not affected by chronic inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in activating macrophages, which are crucial immune cells involved in inflammation and healing. By using advanced computational models, the study aims to predict how these cells behave in response to ATP and other signals, particularly in chronic inflammatory conditions like cancer and cardiac dysfunction. The research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate macrophage activity, including how certain proteins and calcium signaling pathways are involved. This could lead to new insights into how to better manage diseases associated with chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions related to chronic inflammation, such as cancer and heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding macrophage behavior and inflammation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kekenes-Huskey, Peter Michael — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kekenes-Huskey, Peter Michael
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.