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The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms

Award Number: R01MH141342
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2031

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The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms - 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.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $735,182 )
2026	2026	MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY	77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE	CAMBRIDGE	MA	02139	MIDDLESEX	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	1	8/3/2026	NEW	$735,182
														Subtotal = $735,182

Grand Total All Awards = $735,182

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The Role of Social Interactions in Promoting Recovery from Sickness Behaviors Through IL-10-Mediated Mechanisms

Award Number: R01MH141342

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2031

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