How T cells use nearby signaling proteins to spot threats
Evolution of proximal kinase network in T cells
Researchers compare key signaling proteins in T cells and B cells to learn what makes T cells respond to infections and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies small signaling proteins (tyrosine kinases) that help T cells sense antigens and decide when to activate. Scientists will make and test protein variants using biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based experiments along with high-throughput fitness screens. They will directly compare results in T cells versus B cells to identify features unique to T cell signaling. Some work may use human-derived cells or samples to model immune responses in the lab.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with immune-related conditions (such as certain infections, cancers, or autoimmune diseases) or healthy volunteers willing to donate blood or tissue samples for lab research would be appropriate participants.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment or those with conditions unrelated to T cell function are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost T cell defenses against infections and cancer or to reduce harmful T cell activity in autoimmune disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior molecular studies of T cell kinases have advanced understanding and helped inspire targeted immunotherapies, while the program's evolutionary and high-throughput mapping approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuriyan, John — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kuriyan, John
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.