Genetic factors influence T cell behavior in Type 1 Diabetes
Official title: HLA risk alleles cause Type 1 Diabetes by modifying the selection of T cell receptors that recognize pancreatic beta cell antigens
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11075762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes might influence the way our immune cells, called T cells, attack insulin-producing cells in people with Type 1 Diabetes, helping us understand why some people get the disease while others with similar immune cells do not.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI176724-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of Type 1 Diabetes or those who have been identified as having HLA risk alleles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any genetic predisposition to Type 1 Diabetes or those who are already diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific genetic variations, known as HLA risk alleles, affect the selection of T cell receptors that target pancreatic beta cells in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). By understanding the relationship between these genetic factors and T cell behavior, the research aims to uncover why some individuals develop T1D while others do not, despite having similar T cell receptors. The approach involves analyzing T cell receptor sequences and their functional potential in relation to T1D risk. This could lead to new insights into the autoimmune processes that drive the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating Type 1 Diabetes by targeting the underlying genetic factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lagattuta, Kaitlyn Anne — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Lagattuta, Kaitlyn Anne
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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.