Using immune cells to help heal nerve injuries
Developing macrophage-based therapies for peripheral nerve injuries
This study is exploring new ways to help people recover from nerve injuries by using special immune cells called macrophages to boost healing, aiming to create better treatments for those dealing with pain and disability from these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10740955 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new therapies for peripheral nerve injuries, which can cause significant pain and disability. Instead of targeting nerve cells directly, the study investigates how macrophages, a type of immune cell, can be utilized to promote nerve regeneration. By understanding how these immune cells function and their role in healing, the researchers aim to create innovative treatments that could enhance recovery after nerve damage. This approach is novel and seeks to harness the body's own immune response to improve healing outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from peripheral nerve injuries due to trauma, surgery, or neuropathies.
Not a fit: Patients with nerve injuries that are not amenable to immune-based therapies or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective therapies that significantly improve recovery from peripheral nerve injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of macrophages in treating nerve injuries is a novel approach, there has been success in other areas of immunotherapy, indicating potential for this method.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrison, Brett M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Morrison, Brett M.
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.