How CXCR4 and integrins help B cells avoid attacking the body
Contribution and interplay of CXCR4 and integrins in central B cell tolerance
This work looks at whether signals through CXCR4 and integrins keep developing B cells from becoming self-reactive for people at risk of autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309132 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study how chemoattractant signals (like CXCR4) and integrin interactions in the bone marrow guide developing B cells so they do not target the body's own tissues. Using mouse models, cellular and molecular experiments, and drugs that block CXCR4, they track which B cells are retained in or released from the marrow and how self-reactivity changes. The team examines how these processes shape the circulating B cell pool that reaches organs such as the spleen. Findings aim to explain why people with autoimmune diseases have more autoreactive B cells and to suggest ways to reduce that burden.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases or with a family history or biomarkers indicating higher risk of autoimmunity would be most relevant for future clinical work stemming from this project.
Not a fit: Patients without immune-related conditions or those needing immediate treatment for established organ damage are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower self-reactive B cells and reduce autoimmune attacks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including experiments that block CXCR4, have shown these signals can retain or release autoreactive B cells, but translating those findings into human therapies has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pelanda, Roberta — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Pelanda, Roberta
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.