How different B cells behave in health, infection, and autoimmune disease
Unraveling the functional diversity of B cells in health and disease
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11142527
Using new sequencing and computer tools to read individual B cells so people with infections, allergies, or autoimmune disorders may benefit from clearer immune insights.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11142527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to read gene activity in individual B cells from tissues and blood. They will build a toolbox of algorithms that combines known B cell biology with new computational methods to track B cell development over time and map where different B cell programs appear in tissue. The team will apply these tools to clinical samples tied to antibody quality and to tissue from people with inflammatory bowel disease to find immune patterns linked to disease or stronger antibodies. The project aims to turn complex sequencing data into clearer, clinically relevant maps of B cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people willing to provide blood or tissue samples, especially those with inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions, allergies, or recent infections.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to B cell biology or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to directly benefit from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify B cells that make more effective antibodies and reveal immune differences that guide better treatments or vaccines for infections and autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and spatial sequencing have already revealed new immune cell states, but applying biologically informed algorithms specifically to B cell dynamics is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KHAN, ALY AZEEM — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: KHAN, ALY AZEEM
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.