Using immune cells to help heal nerve injuries
Official title: Developing macrophage-based therapies for peripheral nerve injuries
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10740955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $450,313 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS130296-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from peripheral nerve injuries due to trauma, surgery, or neuropathies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with nerve injuries that are not amenable to immune-based therapies or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrison, Brett M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Morrison, Brett M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.