Understanding How the Body's Clot-Busting System Fights Inflammation

Regulation of Inflammation by the Fibrinolytic System

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11030274

This research explores how a natural system in our body, usually involved in breaking down blood clots, can also help calm down inflammation, especially for conditions like arthritis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11030274 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies have a natural system called fibrinolysis that helps break down blood clots, but it also plays a role in controlling inflammation. This project looks at how a specific protein, tPA, from this system can act like a brake on inflammatory responses. We've seen promising results in lab settings and animal models, suggesting that a modified version of tPA could potentially reduce inflammation. The goal is to understand exactly how tPA works with certain receptors in the body to regulate inflammation, which could help us create new anti-inflammatory medicines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as certain types of arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, might eventually benefit from treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose inflammation is not related to the specific pathways involving tPA and its receptors may not receive direct benefit from this particular approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new anti-inflammatory medications that target the body's natural systems, potentially offering new treatment options for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Initial findings in laboratory and animal models have shown that tPA can reduce inflammation, suggesting a promising direction for this novel therapeutic strategy.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.