Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) awarded Massachusetts General Hospital a Project Grant of $322,382 effective June 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031, under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853). This award supports basic neuroscience research investigating the role of interleukin-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) signaling in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. The research leverages genetically engineered mouse models with precise cellular and temporal control of brain IL-1R1 expression to determine the cell-type-specific and timing-dependent mechanisms by which IL-1R1 signaling contributes to cognitive deficits and neurodegeneration in focal and diffuse TBI models. The project addresses a critical gap in TBI therapeutics by examining how IL-1R1 signaling differs between controlled cortical impact (focal injury) and closed head injury (diffuse injury) models, with the ultimate goal of identifying whether targeting IL-1R1 could benefit specific patient populations without causing iatrogenic harm.

The research deliverables include characterization of brain cell types mediating post-injury motor and cognitive deficits through IL-1R1 signaling during the chronic period following injury, as well as determination of optimal temporal windows for therapeutic targeting of IL-1R1 to improve functional outcomes and prevent neurodegeneration in both focal and diffuse TBI phenotypes.