Understanding how the immune system affects brain and eye damage after blast injuries.
Official title: Evaluating the interaction of the immune system and inflammation on the progression of blast-mediatedneurodegeneration.
Funded at Iowa City VA Medical Center · NIH-11303240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blast-related brain injuries affect the immune system and may lead to problems like nerve damage and vision issues, with the goal of finding new ways to help people recover using existing medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003389-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11303240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, particularly from blast exposures, and may be experiencing visual loss or other neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced traumatic brain injuries or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by blasts, particularly from improvised explosive devices, on the immune system and its role in neurodegeneration. It focuses on how the immune response, including the production of autoantibodies and the infiltration of immune cells, contributes to neuronal loss and visual impairment. By examining these mechanisms, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could mitigate the damage caused by such injuries. The research will utilize existing approved drugs to explore new treatment options for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help prevent or reduce brain and eye damage in individuals who have experienced blast-related injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in TBI, but this specific approach to blast-mediated neurodegeneration is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa City VA Medical Center
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harper, Matthew M. — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Harper, Matthew M.
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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.