Keeping the immune system's 'guardian' cells stable to prevent autoimmunity
Self-Peptides Bound to MHC Class II in T Cell Selection
This work looks at whether mature regulatory T cells stay stable in adults so they keep protecting people from autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetic tools in lab models to temporarily remove the Foxp3 protein that defines regulatory T cells and observe how the cells respond. They will compare mature adult Treg cells with newly formed ones to see which can maintain their identity and function over time. The team will track changes in gene activity and immune behavior after protein removal and under conditions that mimic severe disease. Results aim to show when and how Treg cells become self-sustaining and what makes them vulnerable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with autoimmune diseases or people at high risk for autoimmunity are the most likely to benefit from future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or those without autoimmune concerns are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to boost or preserve regulatory T cells to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown Foxp3 is essential for regulatory T cell function and early animal studies suggest resilience, but using inducible protein-degradation to test long-term stability is a newer approach with promising preliminary results.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudensky, Alexander Y — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Rudensky, Alexander Y
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 below.