Understanding how mechanical forces affect immune cell behavior

Establishing an immune mechanome

NIH-funded research University of Notre Dame · NIH-11169609

This study is looking at how the physical forces in our body tissues affect immune cells, which are important for fighting inflammation and diseases, to help find new ways to improve treatments for these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Notre Dame NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Notre Dame, United States)
Project IDNIH-11169609 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how mechanical forces in tissues influence the behavior of immune cells, which play a crucial role in inflammation and disease progression. By using advanced engineering tools and imaging techniques, the study aims to explore how these forces affect immune cell movement, interactions, and functions in various organs. The research will involve both in vivo and ex vivo experiments to gain insights into the immune response under different mechanical conditions, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve inflammation or immune system dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-inflammatory conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diseases where immune response and mechanical forces are involved.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of studying the immune mechanome is novel, related research has shown that understanding mechanical forces can significantly impact immune responses.

Where this research is happening

Notre Dame, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.