Analyzing the molecules released by individual cells to understand immune responses
Official title: NanoSMS: single molecule secretome analysis for non-destructive cellular fingerprinting
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10912709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new technology that helps scientists see how individual immune cells work and communicate, especially in patients with autoimmune disorders, to better understand their responses and potentially create better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $358,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151115-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with autoimmune disorders or those undergoing treatments that affect their immune system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-autoimmune conditions or those not involved in immune response studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new technology called NanoSMS that allows scientists to analyze the molecules secreted by individual cells, providing insights into how these cells communicate and function. By encapsulating single cells and using advanced sensing techniques, the project aims to measure the production of antibodies and other important molecules in real-time. Patients with autoimmune disorders will be particularly relevant, as the research seeks to understand how their immune cells respond to specific antigens. This innovative approach could lead to breakthroughs in understanding immune responses and developing targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and better understanding of immune responses in various conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of analyzing single cell secretomes is innovative, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of cellular biology and immunology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freedman, Kevin — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Freedman, Kevin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cellular programming by plant signaling in cancer and other diseases
Scientists are studying how plant cell signals control gene activity in the nucleus and mitochondria to understand faulty regulation that can occur in cancers and other disorders.
-
Caveolin-1 helps brain vessels stay healthy after juvenile concussion
A study in kids and young adults looks at how a protein called Caveolin-1 affects brain blood vessels after a mild concussion and whether targeting it could protect long-term brain health.
-
How tiny cell antennae control signals linked to birth defects and cancer
Researchers are looking for new proteins in cells' tiny antennae that control signals involved in certain birth defects and cancers to point toward future treatments.
-
New ways to make natural compounds that could fight cancer, Alzheimer's, and inflammation
A scientist team will make and test natural-looking molecules to see if they can block proteins linked to cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammatory conditions.
-
Promoting Coping Skills to Reduce Health Gaps in Teens and Young Adults
A study tests a shift-and-persist coping approach to help racial/ethnic minority teens and young adults handle stress and reduce risks for chronic disease.
-
Laser particle barcoding to track live cells and their omics in breast cancer
A new technique uses special laser-coded particles to follow individual breast cancer cells in real time while linking their live behavior to multi-omics data.
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.