How immune 'killer' T cells recognize insulin-producing beta cells
Beta-cell self-antigen recognition by diabetogenic CD8 T cells
This project looks at how certain immune T cells bind to proteins on insulin-producing beta cells, which matters for people with or at risk for type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290849 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use ultra-sensitive lab tools that measure how T cells physically bind to beta-cell proteins, focusing on bond strength and how long bonds last. They will compare these binding behaviors during T cell development in the thymus and after activation in the body. The team will use laboratory models and specialized biophysical assays to understand why some self-reactive T cells escape elimination and later attack the pancreas. Findings aim to reveal mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent or reduce the autoimmune destruction of beta cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes, relatives at high genetic risk, or volunteers willing to donate blood or tissue samples would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with type 2 diabetes or those seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to stop or prevent the immune attack that destroys insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies using similar 2D force-based measurements have clarified T cell selection, but applying these methods specifically to diabetogenic CD8 T cells is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Baoyu — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Liu, Baoyu
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.