Understanding how the body’s immune signals may influence depression (TLR4 pathway)
Official title: In vivo inflammatory challenge to elucidate the role of the toll-like receptor 4 pathway in depression
Funded at Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-11418993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing how the immune system’s TLR4 pathway might contribute to depression by comparing responses to a controlled immune challenge in people with depression versus healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Laureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $242,753 |
| NIH project number | 5R00MH126950-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with major depressive disorder or healthy controls willing to undergo a safe immune challenge and comply with study procedures.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot safely receive an endotoxin challenge or who do not fit the study criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
In this study, participants with major depressive disorder and healthy controls will receive a brief, controlled endotoxin (LPS) challenge or saline in a tightly monitored setting. The researchers will examine changes in inflammatory signals, brain activity, and regulatory molecules like miRNAs to see how TLR4 signaling differs between groups. The goal is to identify specific immune pathways that are altered in depression and could become targets for new treatments. The study uses blood and brain measurements to map the link between immune responses and depressive symptoms over a short time frame.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide development of therapies that modulate immune pathways to relieve depressive symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Prior endotoxemia studies show temporary mood and immune changes, supporting further exploration of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Figueroa-Hall, Leandra Kali — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Figueroa-Hall, Leandra Kali
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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.