Investigating a new type of immune cell that may protect against allergies
Official title: A novel CD4+ T cell subset associated with allergy protection
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11133739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of immune cell that might help protect against allergies and asthma, and it's for anyone interested in how our bodies respond to things like dust mites; researchers want to see how these cells behave differently in people with and without allergies to find new ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $217,111 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI173884-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with allergic conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, as well as non-allergic individuals who may be exposed to allergens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of allergic conditions and no exposure to common allergens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding a specific subset of CD4+ T cells, known as THIFNR cells, which may play a protective role against allergies and asthma. By analyzing the genetic profiles of these cells from individuals with and without allergies, the researchers aim to uncover how these immune cells respond to allergens like house dust mites. The study involves advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics to identify differences in T cell responses, which could lead to new insights into allergy prevention and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating allergic diseases, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell responses in allergies, but the specific focus on THIFNR cells is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seumois, Gregory — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Seumois, Gregory
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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.