How T cell receptor signal strength affects regulatory T cells
Defining how TCR strength of signal modulates Treg function
['FUNDING_R01'] · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11132720
Researchers are measuring how the strength of signals received by T cell receptors changes how regulatory T cells control autoimmune attacks such as in multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11132720 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work looks at how regulatory T cells (Tregs) recognize self-antigens like myelin and how tightly and how long their receptors bind those antigens. Scientists will use precise biophysical tools to measure T cell receptor affinity, bond lifetimes, and the forces Tregs apply, and they will study these properties in cells and animal models of autoimmune disease. By linking binding mechanics to Treg function, the team aims to understand when Tregs succeed or fail at stopping autoimmune attacks. That knowledge could point to ways to boost Treg control in diseases such as MS and brittle type 1 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis or type 1 (brittle) diabetes who are interested in contributing samples or learning about mechanisms behind immune regulation.
Not a fit: Individuals without autoimmune diseases or whose conditions are driven primarily by non-T-cell mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-mechanism research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could enable new therapies that boost regulatory T cell control and reduce autoimmune damage in conditions like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show Treg specificity matters for controlling autoimmunity, but applying high-resolution biophysical measurements of TCR binding and force is a newer approach with limited direct clinical translation so far.
Where this research is happening
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES
- UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH — SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EVAVOLD, BRIAN D — UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- Study coordinator: EVAVOLD, BRIAN D
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases, Brittle Diabetes Mellitus