Understanding Immune Responses to Surgical Implants
Implant Biofilm Mediated Immune Response
This work explores how the body's immune system reacts to bacteria that form on surgical implants, like breast or joint implants, to better understand related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127659 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with surgical implants, such as breast implants or joint replacements, sometimes experience symptoms like muscle aches, chronic fatigue, or autoimmune-like conditions. This project aims to uncover the specific ways that bacteria, which can form a thin layer called a biofilm on implants, interact with the body's immune system. By understanding these interactions, we hope to learn why some individuals develop these symptoms and how we might prevent or treat them in the future. The goal is to improve the long-term health and comfort for patients living with implants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who have surgical implants, such as breast or joint implants, and may be experiencing unexplained immune-related symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients without surgical implants or those not experiencing immune-related symptoms would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat immune-related symptoms and complications for patients with surgical implants.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of biofilms and immune responses is known, this specific focus on the mechanistic underpinnings in the context of surgical implants and associated symptoms represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sinha, Mithun — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Sinha, Mithun
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.