Using immune cells to help people recover faster after injury or surgery
Myeloid lineage targeting to improve recovery from injury and surgery: Cellular and molecular mechanism
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11091100
This work looks at changing certain immune cells to help people heal faster and have less long-term pain after injuries or surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11091100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how myeloid immune cells (like macrophages and microglia) change after injury using mouse experiments together with human spinal cord cell data. The team maps when and where macrophages gather at injury sites and reads gene activity in different microglial states, including a 'pro-resolution' state linked to recovery. By comparing mouse and human single-cell data, they aim to find biomarkers and targets that could be used to monitor or shift immune responses around surgery. The goal is to point toward tests or treatments that reduce persistent post-surgical pain and speed tissue healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had recent surgery or traumatic injury and are at risk for delayed healing or ongoing pain would be the most relevant candidates for future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People whose pain is caused entirely by non-immune factors (for example purely structural nerve transection) or who have no recent injury or surgery are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to therapies or tests that reduce chronic post-injury or post-surgical pain and speed recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown promising signs that changing macrophage and microglial states can improve healing, but translating these findings into human treatments is still experimental.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAWFIK, VIVIANNE L — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TAWFIK, VIVIANNE L
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.