How specific immune cells help keep the gut healthy
Role of RORgt+ (note: g: is gamma symbol) lymphocytes in Gut Tissue Homeostasis
Researchers are testing whether the energy-making function of certain gut immune cells helps keep the small intestine balanced and controls gut inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144322 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, scientists are studying a set of immune cells in the small intestine that share a protein called RORγt and depend on a gene called Tfam for mitochondrial function. In mouse models they remove Tfam only in those RORγt+ cells to see how that affects the cells' survival, the gut lining, and the community of gut microbes. They will look at how those changes influence a tuft cell–ILC2 signaling circuit, tissue remodeling, and responses to infection or inflammation. The work is done in labs at the University of Florida using animal models and molecular analyses to trace cellular and microbiome effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic small‑intestine inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are most likely to benefit from findings or future therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to gut immunity or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or treat intestinal inflammation by modifying immune cell metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mitochondrial activity influences immune cells, supporting the general idea, but applying Tfam manipulation to gut RORγt+ cells is a newer, less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Liang — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Liang
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.