Understanding Immune Cells in Childhood Stroke

Neutrophils and Monocytes in Pediatric Ischemic Stroke

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11143843

This project looks at how certain immune cells, called neutrophils and monocytes, contribute to stroke in children, hoping to find new ways to help them recover.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11143843 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Pediatric stroke can lead to serious long-term issues like motor and cognitive problems, and current treatments are often not suitable for very young children. This project aims to understand how specific immune cells, called neutrophils and monocytes, behave in the brain after a stroke in young individuals. Using a special mouse model, we are exploring how these cells enter the brain and what their roles are in the stroke's progression. We also want to see if blocking certain enzymes can prevent harmful immune cell entry. Our hope is that by understanding these immune responses better, we can develop new and safer treatments for children affected by stroke.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is focused on understanding the biology of pediatric stroke, particularly in neonates and infants, and is not directly recruiting patients at this stage.

Not a fit: Patients whose stroke is not related to immune responses or those outside the pediatric age range may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immune-focused therapies that improve recovery and reduce long-term neurological problems for children who experience a stroke.

How similar studies have performed: While immune responses are known to be a risk factor for pediatric stroke, immune-directed therapies are not yet available, making this a novel area of exploration for treatment development.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.