How T cells' signaling machinery tells apart harmful and harmless molecules
Defining the Unique Properties of the Distinct Signaling Machinery Used by the TCR
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11325012
Researchers are looking at how parts of T cells decide whether a bound molecule is harmless or dangerous so findings can help people with immune-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This multi-team project at UCSF brings together structural biology, proteomics, biophysics, imaging and computer modeling to map how the T cell receptor (TCR) sends signals when it binds different peptides. Scientists will focus on the enzymes (kinases) and the signaling circuits that add and read phosphate tags to decide whether a bound peptide is self or an invader. They use high-resolution protein structure work, mass spectrometry, live-cell imaging, and computational analysis to observe these molecular events. Over four coordinated projects, teams aim to reveal the unique machinery that enables precise ligand discrimination.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases, organ transplant recipients, or patients considering T cell therapies are most likely to benefit from advances informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to T cells or immune signaling, such as many isolated orthopedic injuries or non-immune metabolic disorders, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent autoimmune attacks or improve T cell–based therapies for cancer and other diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has clarified many elements of TCR signaling, but this integrated, multi-disciplinary program applies newer proteomics and imaging approaches to answer remaining, unresolved questions.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROOSE, JEROEN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: ROOSE, JEROEN
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.