Understanding how nerves and immune cells work together to heal surgical wounds
Official title: Neuroimmune signaling in surgical wound healing and modulation by regional anesthesia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11162347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how our nerves and immune system talk to each other to heal surgical wounds, and how certain types of pain relief might improve this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150680-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing surgery who experience or are at risk for impaired wound healing might benefit from future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without surgical wounds or those whose healing issues are not related to neuroimmune signaling may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Surgical wounds sometimes don't heal well, which can lead to long-term problems for patients. Our bodies need a good connection between sensory nerves and immune cells for wounds to close properly and without excessive inflammation. This project looks closely at how different types of sensory nerves, especially those called nonpeptidergic afferents, influence the immune response after surgery. We are particularly interested in a molecule called MD-1, which seems to help calm inflammation and promote healing. By understanding these intricate interactions, we hope to find new ways to help surgical wounds heal better and faster.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or strategies to improve surgical wound healing, reduce complications, and potentially shorten recovery times for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of some nerve types in wound healing is known, this project explores a less-understood type of nerve and a specific molecule, suggesting a novel approach to improving healing.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ritter Jones, Marsha Elizabeth — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ritter Jones, Marsha Elizabeth
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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.