Investigating how tuft cells affect immunity in salivary glands
Official title: The Role of Tufts Cells in Salivary Gland Immunity
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11246236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in your salivary glands called tuft cells to see how they help your immune system, especially in conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, with the hope of finding new ways to treat autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00DE032363-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11246236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases, particularly those affecting the salivary glands, such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune conditions or those not affected by salivary gland issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on tuft cells, which are specialized cells in the salivary glands that play a role in the immune response. The project aims to explore how these cells function and contribute to both innate and adaptive immunity using advanced imaging techniques and single-cell analysis. By examining the distribution and effects of tuft cells, researchers hope to understand their role in conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, which affects salivary gland function. Patients may benefit from insights gained about immune responses in the salivary glands, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for autoimmune conditions affecting the salivary glands.
How similar studies have gone: While tuft cells have been studied in other organs, this research is exploring their role in salivary glands, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tavares Dos Santos, Harim — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Tavares Dos Santos, Harim
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.