Investigating how certain RNA molecules activate immune receptors
Official title: Endogenous single-stranded RNA ligands for endosomal Toll-like receptors
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10911800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain RNA molecules can help activate parts of your immune system that fight off infections, and it's aimed at improving our understanding of how your body recognizes and responds to germs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171366-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect their immune response, such as chronic infections or autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections that do not involve TLR7 or TLR8 pathways may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific single-stranded RNA molecules can activate Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the immune system. TLRs play a crucial role in recognizing pathogens and initiating immune responses. The study aims to identify endogenous RNA ligands that can stimulate TLR7 and TLR8, which are important for detecting infections. By exploring these interactions, the research seeks to fill significant gaps in our knowledge about the immune response to various microbes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding TLR activation by foreign RNA, but the exploration of endogenous RNA ligands is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirino, Yohei — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Kirino, Yohei
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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.