Creating smart immune cells to detect and treat early type 1 diabetes
Engineering synthetic immune cells with modular sentinel and therapeutic functions for T1D
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11059249
This research aims to develop special immune cells that can find and treat type 1 diabetes in its very early stages.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11059249 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are working to create new immune cells that can act like tiny scouts and healers within the body. These cells are designed to travel to the pancreas, recognize the first signs of type 1 diabetes, and then deliver a localized treatment to protect the cells that make insulin. Our approach involves building these 'smart' cells in parts, focusing on making them good at sensing problems and then good at delivering therapy. This modular design allows us to combine different features to create the most effective treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on individuals with early-stage type 1 diabetes or those at high risk for developing the condition.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced type 1 diabetes who have already experienced significant beta cell destruction may not directly benefit from this early-stage intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new cell-based therapy that stops the progression of type 1 diabetes before significant damage occurs.
How similar studies have performed: While engineering immune cells to fight cancer has shown remarkable success, applying these methods to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIM, WENDELL A — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: LIM, WENDELL A
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, Brittle Diabetes Mellitus