How immune cells influence prostate development and growth
Official title: Regulation of prostate organogenesis by tissue-resident macrophages
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-10978205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages affect the growth of the prostate and may play a role in non-cancerous prostate issues, helping us better understand conditions like benign prostate hyperplasia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $319,770 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134311-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult males experiencing symptoms related to benign prostate hyperplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with prostate cancer or other severe prostate conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cells, specifically macrophages, in the development of the prostate gland and how they may contribute to benign prostate conditions. By examining the interactions between these immune cells and prostate tissue during critical growth periods, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate prostate organogenesis. The research utilizes advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the diversity of cell types in the prostate and their responses to androgens. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance our understanding of benign prostate hyperplasia and its progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapeutic strategies for managing benign prostate hyperplasia.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of immune cells in other organ systems has been studied, this specific focus on macrophages in prostate organogenesis is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shibata, Maho — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Shibata, Maho
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HLA-F and KIR3DS1: unlocking NK cell help to control HIV
A short, patient-friendly look at how a specific immune interaction might help the body control HIV and reduce long-term health problems.
-
Emerging therapies for rare maternal mitochondrial diseases with shared causes
A basket clinical trial will test new drug candidates for two ultra-rare mitochondrial diseases (MELAS and LHON-Plus) that share the same underlying energy-making problem in people who could be affected.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine for liver fluke infection and bile duct cancer
A vaccine approach aims to stop liver fluke interactions with the human bile ducts to prevent bile duct cancer in regions where the parasite is common.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during liver fluke infection
A vaccine approach aims to block how a liver fluke parasite communicates with the human liver to prevent bile duct cancer in people in Southeast Asia.
-
Understanding why youth develop type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it
A nationwide study aims to unravel why some teens with obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others don’t, and to identify factors that could help prevent it.
-
Ultrasensitive antibody-detection method to screen HIV-bNAbs
A new, ultra-sensitive test will help identify which broadly neutralizing antibodies can best block HIV-1 in people, by quickly checking how well these antibodies interact with the virus in patient-derived samples.
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.