How immune cells move through the body
Mechanisms of regulation of lymphocyte migration by actin cytoskeletal effectors
This project aims to understand how our immune cells, called lymphocytes, move through different parts of the body to fight off infections and diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system relies on specialized cells called lymphocytes to travel to specific locations to protect us from illness. These cells need to squeeze through tight spaces and navigate various tissues, like blood vessels and dense organs. We want to learn how certain internal cell structures, specifically actin proteins, help these lymphocytes change shape and interact with their surroundings to move effectively. By focusing on T cells, a type of lymphocyte, we hope to uncover the precise ways they move in complex 3D environments. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how immune responses are organized.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but seeks to understand basic immune cell behavior relevant to conditions like autoimmune diseases.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the fundamental mechanisms of immune cell movement may not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to control immune cell movement, potentially helping to treat autoimmune diseases or improve immune responses against infections and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work has shown the importance of immune cell movement, this project addresses a key gap in understanding the specific proteins that control this process in diverse tissue environments, building on preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacobelli, Jordan — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Jacobelli, Jordan
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.