How amino acids affect immune responses
Context dependent amino acid availability and sensing determines humoral immunity
This study is looking at how certain building blocks in our body, called amino acids, help our immune system work better, especially when we're fighting off infections, and it focuses on understanding the roles of specific proteins in immune cells to find ways to boost our body's response to illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10994619 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of amino acids in supporting the immune system, particularly how immune challenges influence amino acid availability and how immune cells detect these changes. The study focuses on a specific protein, Rag-GTPase, which is believed to play a crucial role in signaling pathways that activate immune responses. By using genetic models, researchers aim to understand the distinct functions of Rag-GTPase and another protein, mTORC1, in B cells during immune challenges like respiratory infections. This could lead to insights into how our bodies respond to infections and how we can enhance these responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with respiratory infections or those interested in understanding immune responses related to amino acid metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-infectious conditions or those not affected by immune challenges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing immune responses against infections, including influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of amino acids in immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeng, Hu — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Zeng, Hu
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.