Creating new tools to target harmful immune cells in autoimmune diseases
Official title: Developing Novel Tools for Precision Targeting of Pro-Autoimmune Th17 Cells
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11120721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better treatments for autoimmune diseases by finding ways to target specific harmful cells in your immune system, so you can feel better without losing your body's ability to fight off infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 5, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $166,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI190780-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120721 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases who are seeking more targeted treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune diseases who are not responsive to biologic therapies or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. It aims to develop precise treatments that selectively target harmful Th17 cells, which are involved in these diseases, while preserving the immune system's ability to fight infections. The approach includes screening existing drugs and designing new inhibitors to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects. By establishing a high-throughput drug screening pipeline, the research seeks to identify selective inhibitors that can better manage autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific immune cells for autoimmune diseases, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Zhiheng — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: He, Zhiheng
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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.