How T cells move in response to different signals
Official title: Chemoattractant-specific T cell navigation of complex environments
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10885194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how T cells, which are important for our immune system, move around in different environments by reacting to certain chemical signals, and it aims to help us understand how they find their way in the body, especially during inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $267,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173938-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or cancers that involve T cell dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to T cell function or those not experiencing immune-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how T cells navigate complex environments by responding to various chemical signals. It focuses on understanding the distinct ways T cells move when exposed to different chemoattractants, such as CCL19 and S1P. By studying these responses, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms that guide T cell migration in both lymphoid tissues and inflamed peripheral tissues. This work involves advanced techniques to analyze T cell behavior in controlled settings, which could lead to new insights into immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune cell behavior, potentially leading to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell migration, but this specific approach to studying distinct motility mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkhardt, Janis K. — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Burkhardt, Janis K.
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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.