Finding molecules that mimic T cell targets
Official title: MimicMaker: an integrated platform for identifying relevant mimics of T cell antigens
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11358771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project builds a computer-and-lab system to find molecules that resemble T cell targets, helping people at risk for acute graft-versus-host disease avoid harmful immune reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $434,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21TR006240-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People preparing for or having undergone allogeneic (donor) stem cell or bone marrow transplants and anyone at heightened risk for acute graft-versus-host disease would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are not related to T cell–mediated immunity or who are not facing transplant or immune therapies are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers will use AI-driven 3-D structural modeling to search for peptides and proteins that look like the pieces your T cells recognize. Promising mimic candidates will be tested in the lab to see if real human T cells react to them. The approach combines machine learning, detailed structural analysis, and experimental validation to pinpoint likely cross-reactive mimics. Results aim to highlight risky matches that could cause autoimmunity or transplant rejection before they harm patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help predict and prevent immune attacks after transplant and reduce the risk and severity of acute graft-versus-host disease.
How similar studies have gone: Related computational and laboratory studies have identified molecular mimicry in some cases, but combining AI-driven 3-D modeling with systematic experimental validation in a single platform is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Brian M — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Baker, Brian M
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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.