Understanding how the immune system affects abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina
Official title: Innate immunomodulation of retinal neovascularization
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-10940466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells affect the growth of unhealthy blood vessels in the eyes of premature babies, especially when there's not enough oxygen, to find better ways to prevent vision loss and blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $421,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036414-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity and individuals with other forms of proliferative retinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-proliferative retinal conditions or those not affected by retinal vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blindness, particularly in premature infants. The study focuses on how immune cells influence this process, especially during conditions of low oxygen in the retina. By examining the interactions between these immune cells and the cells that normally support blood vessel development, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent vision loss. Patients may benefit from improved treatments that target these pathways to reduce the risk of retinal detachment and blindness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients with proliferative retinopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in retinal diseases, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gnanaguru, Gopalan — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gnanaguru, Gopalan
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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.