Immune 'on/off' signals in autoimmune disease and brain cancer
Costimulatory Mechanisms of Autoimmunity
This work looks at whether changing immune checkpoint signals like PD‑1 and TIGIT can calm harmful autoimmune attacks and reduce immune side effects from cancer immunotherapy.
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-11331984 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study immune checkpoint molecules that tell T cells when to slow down or stop, focusing on PD‑1 and TIGIT. They use laboratory experiments and mouse models of autoimmune disease (including an MS model) and tumor models to see if boosting TIGIT or altering PD‑1 can limit harmful inflammation without blocking cancer control. The team analyzes immune cells from brain and tumor tissues and tests TIGIT‑targeting drugs in the lab. Findings are compared with human-relevant data to guide potential future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cancer patients who develop immune-related side effects from PD‑1 therapies would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune system dysfunction or those not receiving PD‑1/PD‑L1 therapies are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that reduce autoimmune inflammation and prevent immune-related side effects from PD‑1 cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies have shown promising results in animals and cells, but using TIGIT-targeting approaches to limit human autoimmunity remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hafler, David a. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hafler, David a.
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.