How natural killer (NK) immune cells develop from blood stem cells
Lineage tracing origins of human innate lymphoid cells from hematopoietic precursors
Researchers are using genetic barcodes and live imaging on human stem cells to track how NK immune cells form, with the goal of improving knowledge that could help people with immune or infection problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This lab project uses human pluripotent stem cells that are tagged with unique genetic 'barcodes' and then guided to become NK cells so researchers can see which stem cells give rise to which immune cells. They will collect single-cell gene expression data to map the step-by-step paths cells take as they become NK cells. The team will also use live cell imaging to watch cell behaviors and interactions during differentiation. All work is done in the laboratory with human-derived stem cells rather than by treating patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients directly; it uses donated or lab-grown human stem cells, so people would not sign up as clinical participants.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research, patients should not expect direct or immediate medical benefit or treatment from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal how NK cells are made and eventually inform better cell therapies or treatments for infections, immune disorders, or cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related barcoding and single-cell methods have provided useful lineage maps in animal and blood-cell studies, but applying them to human NK cell development at single-cell resolution is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mace, Emily Margaret — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mace, Emily Margaret
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.