Understanding Immune System Changes in Sepsis
Mechanism of Immune Dysfunction and Morbid Outcomes in Response to Shock/Sepsis
This research aims to understand how the immune system changes during severe infections like sepsis to find new ways to help critically ill patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to infection damages its own tissues, leading to many deaths worldwide. We are working to uncover why the immune system sometimes stops working properly during sepsis, which can lead to worse outcomes for patients. Our team is focusing on specific immune system 'checkpoint proteins' that play a role in controlling immune responses. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to identify new targets for treatments that could improve patient survival and recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients who develop sepsis or severe shock and experience immune system dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have sepsis or related critical illnesses would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target immune system problems in sepsis, potentially saving lives and improving recovery for critically ill patients.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon years of work defining immune defects in shock and sepsis, uncovering novel roles for specific immune checkpoint proteins.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayala, Alfred — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ayala, Alfred
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.