Investigating immune cells that protect the skin from viruses and tumors
Official title: Skin-homing Group-1 innate lymphoid cells in viral defense
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10738788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help protect our skin from viruses and tumors, which could lead to new treatments for skin problems.
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 | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173837-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with skin-related viral infections or skin cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-skin-related conditions or those not affected by viral infections or skin cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific immune cells, known as Natural Killer (NK) cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILC1), migrate to the skin and contribute to defending against viral infections and tumors. By studying these cells' movement and functions, the researchers aim to uncover their roles in skin health and inflammatory diseases. The study employs advanced techniques, including lymph cannulation in sheep and gene expression profiling, to analyze these immune cells in detail. This could lead to new strategies for targeting these cells in therapies for skin-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin infections and cancers, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune cell behavior in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debes, Gudrun Philomena — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Debes, Gudrun Philomena
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.