How certain immune cells help balance autoimmunity and pathogen defense

Regulation of central tolerance and Treg development by recirculating Treg

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11076812

This study is looking at a special type of immune cell that helps keep your body from attacking itself while still fighting off infections, and it hopes to find ways to improve treatments for autoimmune diseases and boost your immune response.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11076812 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a specific type of immune cell, known as recirculating Treg cells, in maintaining a balance between preventing autoimmune diseases and effectively responding to infections. The study aims to understand how these cells influence the development of other immune cells in the thymus, which is crucial for generating a diverse immune response. By examining the characteristics and functions of these Treg cells, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could improve immune system function and tolerance. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for autoimmune conditions and enhance immune responses to infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or those interested in understanding their immune system's function.

Not a fit: Patients with no autoimmune conditions or those who are not interested in immune system research may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for autoimmune diseases and better immune responses to infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.