Understanding how social stress affects immune function and depression in veterans
Official title: Validation of Immune Dysfunction in Model of Social Stress: Implications for Major Depression Disorder in Veterans
Funded at James J Peters VA Medical Center · NIH-11262178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with the immune system might be connected to depression in veterans who have faced social stress, especially those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve their treatment for depression and PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James J Peters VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005054-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder who have experienced social stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of depression or PTSD, or who have not experienced social stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between immune dysfunction and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in veterans who have experienced social stress, particularly those from Afghanistan and Iraq. It aims to identify how chronic inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to depression and related mood disorders. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop novel therapeutic approaches that could improve treatment outcomes for veterans suffering from MDD and PTSD. The methodology includes both animal models and clinical assessments to explore the effects of immune modulation on depressive symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively address depression and improve the quality of life for veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using immune modulatory approaches to treat depression, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
James J Peters VA Medical Center
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasinetti, Giulio Maria — James J Peters VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Pasinetti, Giulio Maria
Related research
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Risk pathways to major depression using big Danish and Swedish data
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A large study will look at how genes and life experiences combine over time to influence major depression, using Danish and Swedish population data.
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.