How T-cell receptors use tiny mechanical forces to tell healthy cells from infected or cancerous ones
Biology and structure of pMHC receptors functioning as mechanosensors in the [alpha][beta] T-cell lineage
This work looks at whether T-cell receptors use tiny mechanical forces to detect infected, cancerous, or self-cells, which could help people with infections, cancer, or autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying the molecules on T cells that help them decide which cells to attack and which to leave alone. They use sensitive biophysical tools, like optical tweezers and single-molecule and single-cell measurements, plus structural biology, to watch how these receptors change shape when pulled. The team studies both mature T-cell receptors and their early precursors to understand effects on immune development, activation, and memory. Results are intended to reveal basic rules of immune recognition that could guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no routine patient enrollment for the lab-focused work, but people with cancer, chronic viral infections, or autoimmune diseases would be the types of patients most likely to be eligible for future clinical efforts based on these findings.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve how we design immunotherapies or vaccines and might suggest ways to reduce harmful autoimmune responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mechanobiology research has shown that T-cell receptors can respond to force and that single-molecule tools reveal meaningful receptor behaviors, but translating those findings into treatments remains an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reinherz, Ellis L — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Reinherz, Ellis L
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.