Understanding organ damage and immune changes in sepsis

Cell-free DNA epigenomics to track the dynamics of organ damage and immune exhaustion during sepsis

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11179121

This research looks at blood samples from sepsis patients to understand how their organs are damaged and how their immune system changes.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11179121 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to infection causes organ damage and a weakened immune system. We want to learn more about how these problems develop over time in patients with sepsis. To do this, we will collect daily blood samples from patients in the intensive care unit. By analyzing tiny bits of DNA in these blood samples, we can identify which organs are being affected and how the immune system is responding. This approach helps us get a clearer picture of what's happening inside the body during sepsis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis would be ideal candidates for this type of research.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have sepsis or are not in an intensive care setting would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to monitor sepsis and develop new treatments to prevent organ failure and immune exhaustion.

How similar studies have performed: This approach uses innovative methods for analyzing cell-free DNA, building on recent scientific literature and preliminary data.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.