How the CBFB gene affects immune cells controlled by RORγt
Cbfb in RORgt-regulated T cell function
This research looks at whether the CBFB gene changes how a key protein called RORγt controls immune cells that cause autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131142 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
RORγt is a protein that helps certain immune cells (Th17 cells) form and also guides T cell development in the thymus. The team will compare the partner proteins (co-factors) RORγt uses in Th17 cells versus thymocytes to find differences that can be targeted. Laboratory experiments using cells and animal models will map how CBFB interacts with RORγt in each cell type. The aim is to find ways to block the harmful Th17-driven immune attacks while preserving normal thymus function and infection defense.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease are the most relevant patient groups for this research, although the project appears laboratory-focused rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or enrollment in a clinical therapy trial are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that stop tissue-damaging autoimmune immune cells while keeping normal infection-fighting T cells intact.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal work shows blocking RORγt can reduce Th17-driven autoimmunity but also harms thymus development and infection defense, so separating these effects remains a key challenge.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Zuoming — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Sun, Zuoming
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.