How the protein WDFY4 helps immune cells show bits of viruses, tumors, and self
Function of Wdfy4 in cross-presentation and immunity
Researchers are testing how the protein WDFY4 helps certain immune cells present bits of viruses, tumors, or your own tissues to the immune system, which could affect cancer treatments and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use laboratory and in vivo models to study how type 1 classical dendritic cells (cDC1) use WDFY4 to process and present foreign and self antigens to CD8 T cells. They will compare different antigen-processing routes (vacuolar versus cytosolic) and explain why some antigen presentation depends on particular transporters. The work includes experiments linking WDFY4 function to immune responses against viruses and tumors and exploring connections to autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes. Findings will come from molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches developed at the investigators' lab models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that rely on CD8 T cell responses or patients with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes are the populations most likely to benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve antigen cross-presentation or CD8 T cell–driven immunity are less likely to directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost cancer vaccines or to reduce autoimmune attacks by targeting antigen presentation pathways involving WDFY4.
How similar studies have performed: Related research on antigen-presentation pathways has helped improve cancer immunotherapies, but WDFY4’s specific role is a newer and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Kenneth M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Kenneth M
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.