Better immune gene tools and databases for diverse populations
Developing robust and scalable genomics tools and databases to analyze immune receptor repertoires across broad populations
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11011476
Building tools and shared databases that use large DNA sequencing datasets to map immune receptor genes across diverse people so autoimmune and other immune-related conditions can be better understood.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11011476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will create new computational methods to extract immune receptor gene information from routine whole-genome sequencing and assemble population-specific reference sets. The team will benchmark these methods against targeted immune-receptor sequencing (AIRR-Seq) and refine algorithms to reliably find novel V(D)J alleles. They plan to apply the tools to many existing genomic datasets to capture allelic differences across diverse population groups. Ultimately they will build scalable, public databases intended to reflect genetic diversity in immune receptor genes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases or other immune conditions who can share existing genomic data or provide blood/DNA samples to help build immune receptor reference databases would be ideal contributors.
Not a fit: Patients without immune-related conditions or those who cannot or do not want to share genetic data are unlikely to see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could improve diagnosis and personalized treatment for people with autoimmune and other immune-related diseases by revealing population-specific immune gene differences.
How similar studies have performed: Targeted immune-receptor sequencing (AIRR-Seq) has produced useful insights, but applying whole-genome sequencing at population scale to discover novel immune gene alleles is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALACHKAR, HOUDA — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: ALACHKAR, HOUDA
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 below.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases