How fever and STING activation affect immune cell function
Official title: The Impact of STING Activation and Fever on Regulatory T cell Function and Stability
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10997146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special immune pathway and higher body temperatures, like when you have a fever, affect a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells, which help keep inflammation in check; by understanding these changes, we hope to learn more about how the body responds to infections and inflammation, which could help improve treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,370 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186436-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or those experiencing chronic inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-inflammatory conditions or those not experiencing immune dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the activation of the STING pathway and elevated body temperatures, such as during a fever, influence the function and stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are crucial for controlling inflammation. The study aims to understand the metabolic changes that occur in Tregs when exposed to these conditions, as well as the potential reprogramming of these cells into more inflammatory types. By analyzing the transcriptional and epigenetic changes in Tregs under these influences, the research seeks to uncover new insights into immune responses during infections or inflammation. This could lead to better understanding of autoimmune conditions and how to manage them effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating autoimmune diseases by enhancing the regulation of immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interaction of STING activation and fever on Tregs is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses through metabolic pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Rachael Corynne — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Rachael Corynne
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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.