Understanding Immune System Changes in Sepsis
Official title: Mechanism of Immune Dysfunction and Morbid Outcomes in Response to Shock/Sepsis
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11074542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | May 1, 2016 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $562,793 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM118097-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for future patients who develop sepsis or severe shock and experience immune system dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sepsis or related critical illnesses would not directly benefit from this specific research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayala, Alfred — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ayala, Alfred
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how trauma and blood loss increase the risk of sepsis
This study is looking at how a specific substance in the body, called 12(S)-HETE, might help us understand why people who have had severe injuries and blood loss are more likely to get serious infections like sepsis, so we can find better ways to protect those patients.
-
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-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
-
Understanding how small heat shock proteins protect our cells
A study from the University of Washington explores how tiny chaperone proteins protect eye and other cells from damage, which could help prevent conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
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.