How mitochondrial inner structures shape inflammatory T cells
Mechanistic link between mitochondrial cristae integrity and Th1 responses
Researchers are exploring whether changes in tiny structures inside cell powerhouses (mitochondria) change the behavior of inflammatory T cells that drive autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229641 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, this project uses genetically varied mice to find genes that make T cells more likely to cause autoimmunity and then follows up on the strongest candidate. The team found a gene called TMEM11 that helps keep mitochondrial cristae (the inner folds) intact and saw that removing it changed how Th1 cells make inflammatory signals like IFN‑γ. They study the effects in cells and in an animal model of autoimmune disease (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) and measure mitochondrial structure and respiration to understand the link. The work focuses on basic mechanisms in mice that could point to targets to calm harmful T cell responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this grant conducts mouse and lab research rather than a human trial, people with T cell–driven autoimmune conditions (for example multiple sclerosis models) are the eventual patient group that might benefit from findings.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment options should note this is basic laboratory and animal work and does not offer direct clinical benefit or enrollment opportunities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that reduce harmful inflammatory T cell activity in autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked mitochondrial function to immune cell activity, but identifying TMEM11 as a regulator of Th1 responses and cristae integrity is a newer, more specific finding.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gwack, Yousang — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Gwack, Yousang
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.