How skin immune cells and CD1a T cells fight the bacteria that cause leprosy
CD1-restricted T-cell Responses in Skin
Looking at whether special skin immune cells (Langerhans cells) and CD1a T cells help people with leprosy clear the bacteria by showing pieces of the bug to the immune system.
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-11143755 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine skin samples and immune cells from people with leprosy to see how Langerhans cells display bacterial peptide pieces via CD1a to T cells. In the lab they will track autophagy and other cell processes that let Langerhans cells kill bacteria inside the skin. The team will also study how CD1a-restricted T cells recognize microbial peptides and trigger antibacterial actions. The work combines patient-derived samples with cellular and molecular experiments to trace the steps from antigen presentation to bacterial killing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed Mycobacterium leprae infection or active leprosy skin lesions would be the best candidates to provide samples or join related clinical parts of this work.
Not a fit: People without leprosy or without bacterial skin infections are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost skin immunity or design therapies that help people with leprosy and other skin infections clear bacteria more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown roles for CD1a and Langerhans cells in leprosy, but linking CD1a peptide presentation to autophagy-driven bacterial killing is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Modlin, Robert L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Modlin, Robert L
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.