NIH-funded research R01 grant

How skin-resident T 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-11159213 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how special immune cells that help keep your skin healthy are made and move to the skin after birth, with the hope that understanding this process can lead to better treatments for skin problems.

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)$54,277
NIH project number3R01AI174181-02S1
Project IDNIH-11159213 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are infants and young children, particularly those with skin-related health issues.

Less likely to help

Patients who are adults or do not have skin-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the development and function of specific immune cells known as innate-like T cells, particularly in the skin during early postnatal stages. The study focuses on understanding how these cells, which play a crucial role in protecting the skin and maintaining its health, are generated in the thymus and how they migrate to the skin. By examining the mechanisms that regulate this process, the research aims to uncover insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for skin-related inflammatory diseases. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their immune system develops and functions, particularly in relation to skin health.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in skin health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

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.