The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms
About This Grant
ABSTRACT Recovery from viral infections is influenced by social interaction, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our preliminary studies in a murine model demonstrate that socially housed mice recover faster from virally induced sickness behaviors (using the viral mimic poly(I:C)), and this accelerated recovery is associated with elevated interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. Moreover, we found that IL-10 delivery into the brain of individually housed mice mimics the faster recovery observed in socially housed mice. We also provide preliminary data showing that oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide induced by social interactions, can modulate IL-10 levels, suggesting a potential mechanism linking social interaction, oxytocin, and IL-10-mediated recovery. This research aims to explore how social touch and oxytocin facilitate immune modulation and recovery, providing novel insights into the neural-immune mechanisms underlying recovery from viral illness. Specifically, we hypothesize that social-touch-mediated oxytocin release promotes recovery from virally associated sickness behaviors via upregulation of IL-10. We will test this hypothesis through the following aims: (1) determine whether social interaction promotes recovery by engaging specific sensory neurons responding to social touch (Mrgprb4+ neurons); (2) investigate whether the oxytocin system mediates the recovery effects of social touch; and (3) characterize how IL-10 upregulation induced by social touch and OT influences the brain and periphery during recovery. By elucidating the neural and immune pathways linking social interaction, oxytocin, and IL-10, this research aims to provide a fundamental understanding of how social behaviors influence recovery from viral infections.
Grant Summary
The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $735K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $735K
2031-05-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
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The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms?
The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms is offered by NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms provide?
The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms provides up to $735K per award from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms deadline?
Applications for The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms are due 2031-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms?
To apply for The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health.