How T cells use Ras signals to decide when to activate
Canonical and non-canonical RasGEF pathways in T cells
This project looks at whether two signaling proteins, SOS1 and RasGRP1, help T cells decide to turn on or stay calm, which could affect people with autoimmune diseases.
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-11325023 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at UCSF study how T cell receptors tell the difference between dangerous threats and harmless self by tracking signals inside T cells, focusing on the LAT signalosome and downstream RasGEF proteins SOS1 and RasGRP1. They will use lab experiments with cells, molecular tools like CRISPR, and complementary animal models to map how these proteins create 'effector kinase' signals that steer T cell activation and differentiation. The team will examine kinetic proofreading and feedback loops that make T cell responses reliable and failsafe. The goal is to understand mechanisms that, when faulty, can lead to autoimmune disease so future therapies can better tune T cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with autoimmune conditions willing to provide blood or tissue samples for laboratory studies or to be considered for future clinical trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets to better control T cells and lead to safer therapies for autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows RasGEFs like RasGRP1 and SOS1 influence T cell signaling, but combining their canonical and non-canonical roles to control differentiation is a newer, less-tested approach.
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.