Creating artificial immune environments to boost the body's defenses
Hydrogel-based lymphoid tissues for generation of activated human B cells and delivery in vivo
['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11145742
This project aims to grow human immune cells in a lab to better understand how our bodies fight infections and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11145742 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies have special places called germinal centers in lymph nodes where immune cells called B cells learn to make strong antibodies against infections. This project is developing a new way to create these germinal centers outside the body using a special gel. The goal is to grow human B cells in this artificial environment, helping them mature into powerful antibody-producing cells and memory cells. This could help us learn more about how the immune system works and how to develop better treatments for various conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding human B cell function, which could eventually benefit individuals with autoimmune diseases or those needing improved vaccine responses.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to develop vaccines, understand autoimmune diseases, and potentially create new cell-based therapies to improve immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: Existing lab methods for growing human B cells have shown limited success in fully mimicking the body's natural immune responses, making this approach novel.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SINGH, ANKUR — GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: SINGH, ANKUR
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