Understanding how the nervous system can help protect the kidneys from injury
Neuroimmune Regulation of Acute Kidney Injury
This study is looking at how the nervous system can help protect your kidneys from injury by using the vagus nerve to reduce inflammation, and it aims to find new ways to treat kidney problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10681399 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the nervous system and the immune response in protecting the kidneys from acute injury. It focuses on how stimulating the vagus nerve can activate pathways that reduce inflammation and potentially prevent kidney damage. The study will explore specific neuronal pathways involved in this protective mechanism and aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating acute kidney injury. By using advanced neuroscience techniques, the researchers hope to clarify how these pathways function and how they can be manipulated for better kidney health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for acute kidney injury, such as those with critical illnesses or undergoing major surgeries.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease or those who have already progressed to end-stage renal disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for acute kidney injury, which currently has no FDA-approved therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimmunomodulation to influence inflammation and protect organs, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okusa, Mark Douglas — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Okusa, Mark Douglas
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.