Understanding Inflammation in Brain Cell Loss
Official title: Anti-inflammatory signals and neurodegeneration
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11124896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how certain immune signals in the brain might contribute to the loss of brain cells in conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $725,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134632-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients interested in the underlying causes of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease and related conditions involving alpha-synucleinopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
Our brain cells are affected by signals from the immune system, which can impact their health and survival. We've found that a specific immune receptor, called IL-13Rα1/IL-4Rα, influences the survival of important brain cells that are lost in Parkinson's disease. We believe that a molecule called IL-13, produced during brain inflammation, might damage these cells by triggering a specific type of cell death. This work aims to uncover the exact ways these immune signals cause harm, using models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect brain cells and potentially slow down neurodegeneration in people with conditions like Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: This research builds upon existing evidence that neuroimmune signals affect brain cell viability, but the specific mechanisms and therapeutic targets being explored are novel.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conti, Bruno — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Conti, Bruno
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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.