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-10986063 · 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 changing these interactions can help slow down the disease.
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) | $18,620 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS120060-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986063 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 these interactions and how they contribute to the progression of the disease. By manipulating these immune responses, the researchers aim to find new ways to slow down or alter the disease's impact. The study uses advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze these cellular interactions in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating immune responses to improve outcomes in muscular dystrophy, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
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.