How the BAF complex keeps germinal center B cells and antibody responses healthy
Regulation of germinal center homeostasis by the BAF complex
This project looks at how a molecular machine called the BAF complex helps B cells in germinal centers make strong antibodies, which matters for vaccine responses and some B-cell lymphomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11230254 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying the BAF chromatin-remodeling complex and its subunit ARID1A to understand how B cells in germinal centers develop and stay healthy. They will use molecular and genetic experiments in cells and animal models and analyze links to human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma samples. The team aims to map how loss of ARID1A impairs chromatin states needed for sustained germinal center activity and high-affinity antibody production. Findings may point to biological steps that could be targeted to improve vaccine responses or to better understand lymphoma development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with germinal center–derived B-cell conditions such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, or individuals willing to donate blood or tissue for research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated illnesses or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to improve antibody responses to vaccines or suggest new approaches for treating germinal center–derived B-cell lymphomas like DLBCL.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show chromatin remodelers influence B cell function and ARID1A is mutated in some DLBCLs, but directly targeting these complexes remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shukla, Vipul — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Shukla, Vipul
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.