How T follicular regulatory (Tfr) immune cells develop and shape antibody responses
The molecular circuits controlling human T follicular regulatory cell development
This research looks at how a special type of immune cell (Tfr cells) develops and helps control antibody-making in people with immune problems like CVID and autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine Tfr cells from human lymph nodes and blood, comparing samples from people with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and healthy donors. They will determine whether Tfr cells arise from regulatory T cells (nTfr) or from helper T cells (iTfr) using molecular profiling and genetic analyses. The team will connect known CVID-related gene mutations (for example CTLA4, NFKB1, PIK3CD/PIK3R1) to changes in Tfr development and germinal center behavior. The goal is to show how Tfr imbalances might lead to poor vaccine responses or autoantibody production in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people diagnosed with CVID or related antibody-deficiency conditions, especially those able to provide blood samples or lymph node tissue.
Not a fit: People without antibody or germinal-center related immune problems, or those unable to provide blood or tissue samples, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new diagnostic markers or targets to restore healthy antibody responses in people with CVID or autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and limited blood-based human work support distinct nTfr and iTfr roles, but detailed analysis of human lymph node Tfr lineages in patients is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romberg, Neil David — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Romberg, Neil David
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.