How specialized lung helper T cells drive allergy-causing antibodies
Humoral Immunoregulation of allergic disease by follicular T cell subsets
Researchers are looking at how specific helper T cells in the lungs cause harmful allergy antibodies in people with allergic airway disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318112 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how T follicular helper (Tfh) cell subsets form and change inside inflamed lungs during allergic reactions. Using novel mouse models, researchers track Tfh development, identify the Tfh13 subset, and map the gene programs that make these cells promote antibody production. They focus on the local lung environment to find signals that push Tfh cells toward disease-causing roles. The goal is to find precise ways to block only the harmful antibody responses without weakening overall immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with allergic airway diseases, such as allergic asthma or severe environmental allergies, would be most relevant to the findings and potential future therapies.
Not a fit: People with non-allergic respiratory conditions or unrelated diseases are unlikely to see direct benefits from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that block allergy-driving antibodies in the lungs while preserving normal immune defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have linked Tfh and Tfh13 cells to allergic antibody responses, but translating these findings into human treatments remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sage, Peter the — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sage, Peter the
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.