Female-biased autoimmune biology in human immune organoids
Official title: Mechanisms of female-biased autoimmunity in human immune organoids
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11403968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using human immune organoids to understand why autoimmune responses differ by sex and how genes and aging influence this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $380,638 |
| NIH project number | 5U54AR085970-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with autoimmune conditions or at risk for autoimmunity, particularly those interested in how sex differences influence disease.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without autoimmune risk may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses human immune organoids derived from tonsils and spleens to study how sex and genetic factors shape immune responses to vaccines and autoantibodies. Researchers will apply CRISPR/Cas9 to delete specific genes and observe effects on B and T cell behavior, antibody production, and autoantibody formation. The work aims to reveal mechanisms behind sex differences in autoimmunity with a focus on Xist, FoxP3, Granzyme B, and related pathways in organoid cultures. Findings could guide future strategies to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases in men and women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to sex-specific approaches for preventing or treating autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior organoid models have shown meaningful immune responses and gene-editing effects, suggesting this approach is promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Mark Morris — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Davis, Mark Morris
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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.