Understanding the Spleen's Role in Immune Response During Sepsis
Immunomodulation by splenic megakaryocytes and platelets in sepsis
This project looks at how the spleen and blood cells called platelets help the body fight off severe infections like sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to an infection harms its own tissues and organs, leading to organ failure. Currently, there are no specific treatments for sepsis beyond antibiotics and supportive care. This work focuses on the spleen, an important immune organ, and how it produces special blood cells called platelets during sepsis. Researchers believe these platelets, made in the spleen, might help control the body's immune response and protect against infection. By studying these processes, we hope to uncover new ways to help patients recover from sepsis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of sepsis and the body's immune response to severe infection.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments for sepsis will not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted treatments for sepsis, improving patient outcomes and reducing deaths.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of platelets in infection is known, this specific focus on splenic platelet biogenesis and immunomodulation in sepsis is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Looney, Mark Roberts — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Looney, Mark Roberts
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.