Finding modified protein targets that trigger immune responses
Identification of post-translationally modified antigens using genetic code expansion
Researchers will use a lab method to find small chemical changes on proteins that make the immune system react, which could help people with autoimmune diseases and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311286 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will expand a cell-based platform (SABRs) to show thousands of slightly altered protein fragments to T cells. They will use genetic code expansion to place specific chemical modifications into amino acids so lab cells can present these modified bits on human HLA molecules. T cell responses will be measured to identify which modifications cause immune recognition. The work aims to map modification-driven targets linked to conditions such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and patients with cancers where altered antigens matter, would be most likely to benefit from findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose illnesses are not driven by immune recognition of modified protein fragments (for example purely metabolic or structural genetic disorders) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new immune targets that lead to better diagnostic tests and targeted immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related SABR-based methods have already identified modified autoantigens in type 1 diabetes and personalized neoepitopes in melanoma, so this approach builds on prior successes.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joglekar, Alok — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Joglekar, Alok
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.