Understanding how purinergic signaling affects organ failure in children with severe infections

Role of purinergic signaling in pediatric multi-organ failure

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10671089

This study is looking at how certain signals in the blood affect the immune system in children with severe sepsis, a serious condition that can harm multiple organs, to find new ways to help them recover better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10671089 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of purinergic signaling in pediatric patients suffering from severe sepsis, a condition that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The study aims to understand how elevated levels of ATP and adenosine in the blood impact the immune response of neutrophils, which are crucial for fighting infections. By analyzing plasma samples from children with varying degrees of MODS, researchers will explore how these signaling mechanisms differ between children and adults. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and experiencing varying levels of organ dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing severe infections or organ dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune response in children suffering from severe infections, potentially reducing mortality rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in critically ill patients can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
Conditions Bacterial Infectionsbacteria infectionbacterial disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.