How two immune proteins, TIGIT and CD155, control immune tolerance
Project 1: Bidirectional interactions between TIGIT and CD155 in regulating tissue tolerance
This project looks at how the interaction between two immune proteins, TIGIT and CD155, changes immune behavior in cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11331992 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how TIGIT on T cells and CD155 on other cells send signals to each other that either calm or activate the immune system. They will use laboratory models including mouse experiments, cells from tumors and immune cells, and genetic tools to turn TIGIT on or off in specific cell types. The team will examine effects on regulatory T cells that normally control immunity and on exhausted T cells seen in chronic infections and cancer. Understanding these two-way signals could point to better ways to boost immune attacks on tumors or reduce harmful immune responses in autoimmune disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers (especially tumors known to express CD155) or with autoimmune diseases who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples or consider future immune-targeted trials are the most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that are not driven by immune tolerance or that do not involve TIGIT/CD155 are unlikely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that either strengthen immunity against cancer or reduce harmful immune activity in autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Therapies that target immune checkpoints including TIGIT are already in clinical trials with encouraging early results, but the specific two-way signaling with CD155 and its role in regulatory T cells is still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuchroo, Vijay K. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kuchroo, Vijay K.
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.