Understanding how the immune system guides tissue regeneration in mammals
Official title: Defining the immune-stem cell programs that drive multi-tissue regeneration in mammals
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11436177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how immune cells and stem cells team up to rebuild tissues after injury, potentially leading to fewer scars and better healing in mammals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $492,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI201002-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals who have or are at risk for tissue injuries where regeneration could be beneficial, such as limb or digit injuries, age-related healing concerns, or chronic wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage or non-regenerative tissue conditions where immune-driven regeneration is not expected to occur may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how immune signals and stem cells work together to decide whether a damaged mammal tissue regenerates or scarifies. By watching immune and stem cell interactions in live animals and using advanced molecular profiling, researchers hope to map the regenerative “decision code.” They will compare two mammalian models to see how age and context influence immune control of healing, using cutting-edge imaging and gene tools to observe and manipulate processes in real time. The work could illuminate new approaches to promote regeneration in humans after injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could pave the way for therapies that enhance tissue regeneration and reduce scarring after injury.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in regenerative biology have shown that immune environments influence healing, but this project applies advanced imaging and single-cell profiling to map human-relevant regeneration pathways in mammals.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mesa, Kailin Riley — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Mesa, Kailin Riley
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.