Understanding immune cell interactions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Official title: Novel macrophage and regulatory T cell interactions that promote the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10911265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells work together in the muscles of people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to see if understanding this can help find new treatments that might improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $398,837 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS120060-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or unrelated muscle disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells and macrophages, interact in the muscles of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The goal is to understand how these interactions contribute to the progression of the disease and to explore potential pharmacological interventions that could alter these processes. By studying the immune response in the dystrophic muscle environment, researchers aim to identify new treatment strategies that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that slow down or alter the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in muscle diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villalta, Sergio Armando — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Villalta, Sergio Armando
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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.