How damaged mitochondrial DNA can trigger the immune system
From mtDNA stress to cellular immunity: Triggers, Mechanisms and Effectors
This project looks at how breaks in mitochondrial DNA can set off immune reactions that may contribute to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, researchers will trace how damage to the small DNA inside mitochondria can leak signals that the immune system mistakes for danger. They will study those signals in lab-grown human cells and animal models to map the molecular steps between mtDNA damage and immune activation. The team will identify the key sensors and effectors that drive inflammation and test how altering those molecules changes immune responses. Findings aim to point toward ways to reduce harmful inflammation or to harness the same pathways to help anti-cancer immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, or those interested in immune-based cancer therapies, are most likely to find this research relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune activation or mitochondrial dysfunction, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, may not see direct benefits from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs that lower harmful autoimmunity or improve immune-based cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mitochondrial components can trigger innate immunity, but focusing on double-stranded mtDNA breaks and mapping all downstream effectors is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tigano, Marco — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Tigano, Marco
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.