NIH-funded research R01 grant

How skin-resident immune cells develop and function in early life

Official title: Development and function of skin-resident innate-like T cells at early postnatal stages

Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10982477 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at special immune cells in the skin that help keep it healthy, especially in babies, to find out how they are made and how they move to the skin, which could lead to better treatments for skin problems caused by immune issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project startNovember 7, 2023
Project endOctober 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$461,158
NIH project number5R01AI174181-02
Project IDNIH-10982477 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who may be at risk for skin inflammatory diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients who are adults or do not have skin-related immune issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the development and function of specific immune cells, known as innate-like T cells, that reside in the skin during early postnatal stages. The study focuses on understanding how these cells are generated in the thymus and how they migrate to the skin, where they play a crucial role in protecting the body and maintaining skin health. By examining the mechanisms that regulate this process, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies for skin-related inflammatory diseases. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for skin conditions linked to immune dysfunction.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for skin inflammatory diseases in infants and young individuals.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of innate immune cells in skin health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Texas Hlth Science Center
    San Antonio, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Xiong, Na — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
  • Study coordinator: Xiong, Na

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.