Why white blood cells (neutrophils) cause damage in sepsis
Mechanisms regulating neutrophil proinflammatory activity in sepsis
Looking at whether blocking a specific neutrophil inflammation pathway could lower organ damage in adults with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11263724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work aims to understand why neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, become overly inflammatory and stick to blood vessels during sepsis, making organ damage worse. Researchers will examine the roles of proteins called DREAM and A20 and signaling through NF-κB and IKKβ using laboratory experiments and disease models relevant to adult human biology. They will study how neutrophils interact with platelets and form microthrombi that block small vessels and contribute to multi-organ failure. The team hopes that identifying these molecular steps will suggest drugs or treatments that calm neutrophils and prevent the tissue and clotting problems seen in severe sepsis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with sepsis or severe infection who are at risk of organ dysfunction would be the most relevant patients for related clinical follow-up or trials.
Not a fit: Children and patients with infections that do not involve neutrophil-driven inflammation, or those with unrelated chronic illnesses, may not benefit from findings focused on neutrophil pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: May lead to treatments that reduce inflammation, blood clots, and organ failure in people with sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has implicated A20 and NF-κB in inflammation, but targeting DREAM/A20 to control neutrophil-driven damage in sepsis is a relatively new, largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Jaehyung — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Jaehyung
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.