# Project 1: Novel Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators (SPM) in Resolution of Acute Inflammation

> **NIH NIH P01** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $379,151

## Abstract

7. Project 1 Summary/Abstract
While acute inflammation is protective, uncontrolled inflammation is associated with many diseases, trauma,
and surgical interventions that may lead to sepsis and loss of life. Resolution of inflammation was held to be
passive but should ideally be self-limited. We mapped and elucidated the roles of previously unknown families
of resolution phase mediators collectively grouped by function as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM).
The SPM include resolvins, protectins and maresins. In this period of support, Project 1 discovered
endogenous resolution programs that are activated by infections where specific SPM are produced with potent
anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions as well as the ability to enhance microbial clearance. Molecular
understanding of resolution programs for acute infectious inflammation is critically needed to appreciate the
endogenous chemical signals that help resolve innate host responses to injury and trauma. In this renewal,
Project 1 focuses on functional elucidation of entirely new resolution mediators discovered in this P01. We
identified novel SPM-sulfido-conjugates (SC) using unbiased mediator-lipidomics and infectious resolving
exudates that possess potent actions with neutrophils (PMN), macrophage (MΦ) and in tissue regeneration.
Given their unique structures and actions, the 3 new series of bioactive molecules are termed Maresin-
Conjugates in Tissue Regeneration (MCTR), Resolvin-Conjugates in Tissue Regeneration (RCTR) and
Protectin-Conjugates in Tissue Regeneration (PCTR). Our Project 1 mission is to elucidate these chemical
signals and cellular pathways that activate resolution of infectious-inflammation so they can be harnessed by
testing an innovative hypothesis: Namely, In acute inflammation and infection, newly elucidated members of the
SPM-sulfido-conjugates (SPM-SC) are produced by resolving infectious exudates to activate resolution and
tissue regeneration programs essential to reestablish tissue function. To address this, 3 specific aims are
proposed: We shall determine: 1) the relationships between novel pathways and mediators within innate
exudates that activate both resolution and regeneration; 2) validation and actions of novel SPM-SC, 3)
determine SPM-SC activated genes in infection-tissue regeneration & resolution and, with Project 2 and Core B,
demonstrate local SPM functions in humans. Results from these can impact patient care by providing rigorous
evidence for new resolution mediators that control infection-inflammation and communicate in tissue
regeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9906235
- **Project number:** 5P01GM095467-10
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles Nicholas Serhan
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $379,151
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9906235

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9906235, Project 1: Novel Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators (SPM) in Resolution of Acute Inflammation (5P01GM095467-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-14 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9906235. Licensed CC0.

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