Understanding the role of immune cells in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Official title: Origins and Functions of Intramuscular Macrophages in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11053969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages affect muscle inflammation and healing in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with the hope of finding new ways to help improve treatment for those living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hospital for Special Surgery NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $162,154 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AR074428-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053969 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, particularly those experiencing muscle inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or those without significant muscle inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle disease. It aims to understand how these cells contribute to muscle inflammation and regeneration in DMD, using both mouse models and human tissue samples. By studying the different types of macrophages and their origins, the research seeks to identify ways to reduce inflammation and promote muscle healing, which could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with DMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that enhance muscle regeneration and reduce inflammation in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting inflammation can improve muscle function in similar conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Lan — Hospital for Special Surgery
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Lan
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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.