Understanding how purinergic signaling affects organ failure in children with severe infections
Official title: Role of purinergic signaling in pediatric multi-organ failure
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10671089 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $403,045 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD098363-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671089 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and experiencing varying levels of organ dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing severe infections or organ dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Junger, Wolfgang G — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Junger, Wolfgang G
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.