How a special group of T cells that spot lipid signals work
The regulation and functions of Group 1 CD1-restricted T cells
This project looks at how high blood fats change the way a type of immune cell called Group 1 CD1 T cells responds to tuberculosis and related inflammation, with relevance for people with high cholesterol or HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143042 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use specially designed mice that carry the human versions of Group 1 CD1 molecules and T cell receptors to mimic human immune responses. They will give mice diets or use genetic models that cause high blood lipids and then expose them to Mycobacterium tuberculosis to see how lipid levels change protection or inflammation. The team will also study cases where chronic activation of these T cells causes skin inflammation in mice with abnormal lipid metabolism. Findings are intended to link lipid health, infection control, and immune-driven inflammation in ways that matter for people with TB, HIV, or lipid disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tuberculosis, people living with HIV who have high cholesterol or other lipid problems, and patients with lipid-related inflammatory skin conditions are the most relevant groups for these findings.
Not a fit: People without infections, without lipid abnormalities, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments should not expect direct personal benefit from this preclinical mouse-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to manage or boost immune responses in people with tuberculosis and could help reduce inflammation linked to high blood lipids, especially in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies by these investigators showed CD1b-restricted T cells can protect against M. tuberculosis and that chronic CD1b autoreactivity can drive lipid-linked skin inflammation, so this project builds on established but still emerging results.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Chyung-Ru — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Chyung-Ru
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.