How dendritic cells keep the immune system from attacking the body
Molecular control of tolerogenic dendritic cell function
This project looks at how certain immune sentinel cells called dendritic cells calm the immune system to help people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will look for the specific dendritic cell type that prevents immune attacks on the body's own tissues. They will use genetic models and lab experiments on immune cells to see what goes wrong when this control is lost. The team will study abnormal cytokine signals and the broken signaling pathways that flip these cells from calming to activating the immune system. Together, these experiments aim to map the molecular switches that keep immune responses in check.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases driven by inappropriate immune activation (for example, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or type 1 diabetes) might eventually benefit from therapies based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate symptom relief or those with conditions that are not autoimmune in nature are unlikely to gain direct, short-term benefit from this basic laboratory project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to restore immune tolerance and reduce autoimmune attacks.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies targeting tolerogenic dendritic cells have shown promise preclinically, but translation to approved human therapies has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lund, Amanda W. — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lund, Amanda W.
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.