How gut regulatory T cells develop and control intestinal inflammation
Mechanisms Controlling the Development and Function of Intestinal Effector Treg cells
Learning how signals in the gut help special immune cells grow and control inflammation in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261097 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study intestinal regulatory T (Treg) cells that produce the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10, focusing on how IL-2 and a TNF-family pathway called TL1A-DR3 guide their development and function. Work will combine experiments in mouse models with analysis of human gut tissue or blood samples to trace how “central” Treg cells become active “effector” Treg cells in the large intestine. The team will test whether changing these signaling pathways alters IL-10 production and reduces gut inflammation. Results are meant to identify cellular signals that could be targeted to support these protective cells in people with IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or volunteers willing to donate gut tissue or blood for research would be most relevant for participation.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to gut immune regulation, or those who cannot provide tissue or blood samples, are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that boost gut-regulating Treg cells to reduce inflammation and flares in inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows IL-10-producing Treg cells help control gut inflammation, but targeting the IL-2 and TL1A-DR3 pathways as a therapy is a relatively new approach still under study.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Casey T — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Casey T
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.