Investigating a new approach to enhance regulatory T cells for autoimmune diseases
Official title: A chemical biology-based approach to the study of FOXP3 and Regulatory T Cell Fate
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11244961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to boost a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells, which help keep your immune system in check and prevent autoimmune diseases, by testing small molecules that might help these cells work better and be more numerous, ultimately aiming to create safer treatments for people with autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,984 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI188937-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11244961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases who may benefit from enhanced regulatory T cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune conditions or those who do not have a significant immune response may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the function and numbers of regulatory T cells, which play a crucial role in controlling immune responses and preventing autoimmune diseases. The team is using a high throughput flow cytometry screen to identify small molecules, such as A205804, that can induce the expression of FOXP3, a key marker for regulatory T cells. By understanding how these molecules work, the research aims to develop safer and more effective treatments for patients with autoimmune conditions. The study will explore the mechanisms behind these molecules to ensure they enhance Treg differentiation without causing harmful side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively treat autoimmune diseases by safely increasing the number of functional regulatory T cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using small molecules to modulate immune responses, suggesting that this approach could be effective, though the specific methods being tested here are novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lairson, Luke Lee — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Lairson, Luke Lee
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.