Understanding how the brain senses inflammation and affects behavior
Official title: The cytokine code and neural circuits for sensing inflammation state
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10925906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the body can affect our mood and energy levels, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding the link between the immune system and feelings like fatigue and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,088,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1MH140021-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic inflammatory conditions such as cachexia or endometriosis, which are associated with severe fatigue and depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute, non-inflammatory conditions or those without significant psychological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between the immune system and the brain, particularly how inflammation influences psychological symptoms like fatigue and depression. By using advanced neuroscience techniques, the study aims to map neural circuits that respond to inflammatory signals, helping to understand how these signals affect motivation and behavior. The research will involve various mouse models to explore both acute infections and chronic inflammatory conditions, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic inflammatory disorders that cause debilitating psychological symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune-brain connection, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights into behavioral responses to inflammation.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kepecs, Adam — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kepecs, Adam
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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.