IL-23-driven inflammatory Th17 immune cells
Dissecting functions of IL-23-dependent inflammatory Th17 cells
This research will look at how two types of immune cells called Th17 cells differ in their metabolism in people with autoimmune diseases and in laboratory models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10975051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will separate inflammatory Th17 cells into autoimmune-driving and infection-fighting groups using samples from mice and from patients with autoimmune diseases. They will compare how these two groups process the amino acid serine and other metabolic pathways in the lab. The team will focus on cells that depend on the immune signal IL-23 to see which metabolic programs link to harmful versus helpful functions. Findings will aim to point to ways to target only the harmful Th17 cells while keeping the infection-fighting ones working.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults with autoimmune diseases linked to Th17 activity who can provide blood or tissue samples at the study site.
Not a fit: People without Th17-driven autoimmune disease or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic and translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to treatments that block harmful autoimmune Th17 cells while preserving their infection-fighting counterparts, reducing side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs targeting the IL-23/Th17 pathway have improved autoimmune conditions but increased infection risk, and using metabolic differences to separate protective from harmful Th17 cells is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Zhiheng — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: He, Zhiheng
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.