How the gut molecule CD103 controls immune cells that live in the intestinal lining
CD103 engagement regulates intestinal IEL effector function
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11259521
Researchers are looking at how a protein called CD103 helps control special immune cells in the gut, which matters for people with infections or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on immune cells called intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) that sit within the single layer of cells lining the intestine and protect against microbes. The team will study how CD103, a protein found on most of these IELs, influences when and how these cells become active during infection or inflammation. They will compare different IEL types (including tissue-resident memory and gamma-delta IELs) and use laboratory models and tissue analyses to see how CD103 engagement changes cell behavior. Understanding these mechanisms could explain why overly strong immune responses damage the intestinal lining in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, or recurrent enteric infections would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies or sample collection.
Not a fit: People without intestinal immune problems or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to limit damaging gut immune responses or boost protective immunity, potentially leading to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown CD103 helps retain immune cells at barrier sites, but its specific role in controlling IEL activation during infection is not well tested and remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERGSBAKEN, TESSA — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: BERGSBAKEN, TESSA
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.