Investigating how kynurenine affects immune responses
Official title: Kynurenine-dependent redox signaling at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10890855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called kynurenine, which comes from tryptophan in our bodies, affects our immune system, especially in conditions like autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation, to help find better treatments for these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $552,205 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178864-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those not experiencing autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the kynurenine pathway, which processes tryptophan in the body, and its role in modulating immune responses. By studying how increased kynurenine levels influence dendritic cells and regulatory T cells, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind immune tolerance and inflammation. The team will utilize advanced metabolomic techniques to measure specific kynurenine derivatives and their effects on immune signaling pathways. This could lead to new insights into treating autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance immune tolerance and reduce inflammation in patients with autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the kynurenine pathway's role in immune modulation, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vitturi, Dario a — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Vitturi, Dario a
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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.