Understanding how red blood cells affect immune responses in sepsis
Official title: Investigating the function of RBC-TLR7 in Sepsis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11024759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how red blood cells help the immune system during sepsis, a serious infection, by seeing how they interact with RNA in the blood, which could help us find better ways to treat patients with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,660 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL177015-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill patients diagnosed with sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sepsis who are not critically ill or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of red blood cells (RBCs) in the immune response during sepsis, a severe condition caused by infection. The study focuses on how RBCs, through a receptor called TLR7, interact with RNA in the bloodstream and influence inflammation. By analyzing samples from critically ill patients with sepsis, the researchers aim to uncover how RBCs can trap RNA and potentially dampen harmful immune reactions. This could lead to new insights into managing sepsis and improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sepsis, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with this critical condition.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in sepsis, but the specific role of RBC-TLR7 is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mangalmurti, Nilam S. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mangalmurti, Nilam S.
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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.