How small cyclic molecules help the immune system fight infection and cancer
Defining the mechanisms that drive novel cyclic nucleotide signaling in immune defense
This work will look at how tiny signaling molecules called cyclic nucleotides help immune cells detect viruses, bacteria, and tumors to find new ways to boost or calm immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11269161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare immune signaling systems from bacteria and archaea with the human cGAS-STING pathway to trace shared and unique molecular steps. They will use biochemical experiments, cell-based models, and computational genomics to map how cyclic nucleotide signals are made and sensed. The team will test how these signals trigger antiviral and antitumor responses and how they might misfire in autoimmune conditions. Results could point to molecular targets for future drugs or diagnostics that modify immune signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with viral infections, certain cancers, or autoimmune conditions who are willing to provide blood or tissue samples would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new molecular targets or biomarkers that lead to therapies or diagnostics to improve antiviral, anticancer, and autoimmune care.
How similar studies have performed: The human cGAS-STING pathway is well-established and is already a focus for emerging therapies, but applying insights from bacterial CBASS systems to human medicine is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morehouse, Benjamin Robert — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Morehouse, Benjamin Robert
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.