Mapping how B cells recognize different antigens
Official title: Technologies for High-Throughput Mapping of Antigen Specificity to B-Cell-Receptor Sequence
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11066480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called B cells identifies and reacts to different germs and substances, which could help create better treatments for conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $841,663 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175245-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases, cancers, or other conditions where B cell responses are critical.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to B cell function or those who do not have an active immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how B cells, a crucial part of the immune system, recognize and respond to various antigens, which are substances that trigger an immune response. By developing advanced technologies, the project aims to link the genetic sequences of B cell receptors to their specific antigen targets. This approach will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of antibody functions and improve the discovery of new antibodies for diagnostics and therapies. Patients may benefit from enhanced treatments for diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections as a result of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective antibody-based therapies and diagnostics for a range of diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in linking antibody sequences to their functions, but this specific approach is innovative and aims to overcome existing limitations.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Georgiev, Ivelin — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Georgiev, Ivelin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving healthcare for patients with inherited cancer syndromes using a web-based platform
This study is testing a new online tool called MeTree that helps people understand their risk for inherited cancer by combining their medical records and family health history, making it easier for patients and doctors to get the information they need for better care and support.
-
Stroke prevention with hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria
A multinational, patient-facing study tests whether hydroxyurea can safely prevent first strokes in Nigerian children with sickle cell anemia.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Enhanced surveillance for new vaccine‑preventable diseases
A Vanderbilt team is tracking how well vaccines work and how diseases like flu, RSV, norovirus, and SARS‑CoV‑2 affect young children over time.
-
Generative AI to create private, fair health data for research
A researcher at Vanderbilt aims to use Generative AI to create synthetic health data that protects patient privacy while helping AI models be fairer and more accurate.
-
ConProject-003: A patient-facing initiative at Vanderbilt for advancing care
A Vanderbilt-led project (ConProject-003) is funded to drive improvements in care for people with a specific health condition through a dedicated program.
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.