How early T-cell receptors feel mechanical signals to shape immune-cell development
Pre-TCR Mechanotransduction: From Biology to Structure
Learning how immature T cells use receptor 'force sensing' to become healthy immune cells, which could help people with immune problems or T‑cell cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253692 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the very earliest steps when T cells are made in the thymus. Researchers grow thymic precursor cells in lab cultures with or without MHC on supporting cells and use single-cell RNA sequencing to see how individual cells change. They study mice that lack certain MHC proteins to see compensatory responses and follow aging animals for thymic tumor development. The team also examines the receptor structures and mechanical properties to understand how physical forces control signaling and cell fate.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with T‑cell lymphoblastic leukemia, thymic tumors, or age-related declines in T‑cell function would be most directly connected to this research and potential future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with medical problems unrelated to T cells (for example primary neurological or metabolic disorders) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to prevent or treat T‑cell leukemias or to improve immune function as people age.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work supports roles for preTCR and TCR signals in thymocyte development, but integrating single-cell genomics, mouse genetics, and mechanobiology is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinherz, Ellis L — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Reinherz, Ellis L
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.