Exploring how natural microbial exposure affects immune regulation by T cells
Official title: Investigate the impact of physiological microbial exposure on regulatory T cell-mediated immune regulation
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10876391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how natural germs in our environment can affect the way our immune system's regulatory T cells work, which is important for keeping our immune responses in check, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how these microbes might help improve treatments for immune-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178396-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876391 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions who may benefit from insights into immune regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those not affected by autoimmune disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to natural microbes influences the function of regulatory T cells, which play a crucial role in controlling immune responses. By using a new protocol to maintain a repository of physiological microbes, the study aims to better mimic natural conditions that affect immune regulation. The approach involves characterizing how these microbes impact Treg cells in a more realistic environment compared to traditional laboratory settings. This could lead to insights that bridge the gap between animal studies and human clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune regulation and lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that natural microbial exposure can significantly influence immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Li-Fan — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Lu, Li-Fan
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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.