Understanding how the brain controls fever during infections
Molecular and Genetic Dissection of Brain Circuits Controlling Fever
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help control body temperature and behaviors like feeling tired or hungry when you're sick, to better understand how fever works and why it's important for getting better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10811735 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits responsible for regulating body temperature and associated behaviors during infections. By focusing on specific neurons in the hypothalamus that respond to inflammatory signals, the study aims to uncover how these neurons initiate fever and influence appetite and lethargy. The researchers will employ advanced techniques, including chemogenetic activation and cell ablation, to manipulate these neurons and observe their effects on body temperature and behavior. This work could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of fever and its role in survival during illness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing infections that result in fever and associated behavioral changes.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic conditions unrelated to fever regulation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for managing fever and related symptoms during infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding brain circuits related to fever, but this specific approach is novel and aims to provide deeper insights.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dulac, Catherine — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Dulac, Catherine
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 below.