Understanding how neutrophils contribute to brain damage after a stroke
Official title: The Role of Neutrophils in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury following Acute Stroke
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10996186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain white blood cells called neutrophils affect inflammation and brain damage after a stroke, with the goal of finding new ways to help stroke patients recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,091 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS130939-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke and are within the critical time frame for therapeutic intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have had hemorrhagic strokes or those who are outside the therapeutic window for intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in the inflammation that occurs after an ischemic stroke, where blood flow to the brain is blocked. The study aims to understand how these cells contribute to further brain injury following the restoration of blood flow. By examining the mechanisms of neutrophil migration into brain tissue, the research seeks to identify potential new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for stroke patients. The approach involves both laboratory studies and analysis of inflammatory responses in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that minimize brain damage and improve recovery for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory responses can improve outcomes in stroke models, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arias, Erika — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Arias, Erika
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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In-bed wearable rehab robot to help stroke survivors recover movement
A wearable robotic device will be developed to help adults who recently had an acute stroke regain movement while still in the hospital.
-
When people are most at risk of another stroke after a minor stroke or TIA
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Improving Participation after Stroke: Self-Management Rehab for Sub-Acute Stroke
A doctor- and patient-friendly program delivered virtually helps people who recently had a stroke feel more confident, stay active at home, and improve quality of life.
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Targeting a brain inflammation regulator to protect cells after a stroke
Aims to test a new approach that tampers with a key brain cell regulator to reduce inflammation and protect brain tissue after a stroke, potentially lowering disability.
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Predicting brain tissue outcome after acute stroke using AI
A researchers at Stanford are testing an AI system that uses brain scans and clinical data to predict which parts of the brain will recover after an acute stroke and how treatment might help.
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Helping brain recovery for people with severe paralysis after a recent stroke
This project builds a wearable in-bed robot to give gentle movement and sensory training to adults with severe weakness right after a stroke.
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.