How LAT protein clumps help T cells recognize threats
The role of LAT protein condensation phase transitions in T cell signaling
Researchers are looking at how a protein called LAT forms membrane clumps that help T cells tell harmful invaders from harmless self-molecules, which could improve immune therapies for people with immune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325021 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project watches how LAT proteins on T cells form two-dimensional surface condensates that change how signals are passed inside the cell. Scientists use advanced microscopy, biophysical measurements, and lab-grown cell systems to mimic T cell encounters with antigens. They compare normal and altered LAT behavior to understand how T cells reliably detect very rare foreign molecules among many self-molecules. The findings aim to guide better T-cell–based treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with immune-related disorders (for example autoimmune disease or immunodeficiency) or patients who may later enroll in T-cell therapy trials would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients without immune-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help design safer and more effective T-cell therapies and improve understanding of autoimmune triggers.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have shown LAT condensation can alter T cell signaling, but moving those basic findings into clinical treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Groves, Jay T. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Groves, Jay 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.