Creating advanced models to study immune responses using 3D printed tissue systems
Official title: Multi-organ culture and pumping systems for ex vivo models of immunity in hybrid tissue-chips
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11055654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to create tiny 3D models of lymph nodes and nearby organs to help us understand how our immune system works, how it fights tumors, and how autoimmune diseases develop, which could lead to better vaccines and treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $137,808 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI174207-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect immune responses, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-immune related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative 3D printed microfluidic systems that simulate the interactions between lymph nodes and surrounding organs. By creating multi-organ culture systems, researchers aim to better understand how immune responses are generated, how tumors are recognized by the immune system, and how autoimmune conditions develop. The approach involves using advanced tissue engineering techniques to create models that allow for precise control of immune cell circulation and communication between different tissues. This could lead to improved vaccine designs and therapies for various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune responses, leading to better vaccines and treatments for infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microfluidic systems for studying immune interactions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pompano, Rebecca R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Pompano, Rebecca R
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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.