Mapping the Immune System's Recognition Shapes
Learning a molecular shape space for the adaptive immune system
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11136299
This project uses advanced computer methods to understand how our immune system's cells recognize germs by their unique shapes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our immune system has special cells, called B- and T-cells, that protect us from infections and diseases. These cells recognize harmful invaders, like viruses and bacteria, by sensing their specific 3D structures, much like a lock and key. It's hard to precisely measure how these immune cells' shapes match up with pathogen shapes. This project uses powerful computer learning techniques to create a map of these molecular shapes, helping us understand how immune cells identify threats. By mapping these shapes, we hope to better understand how our immune system works and how it can be strengthened.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not involve direct patient participation at this stage, but future applications may benefit individuals with various immune-related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions would not directly benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to design vaccines or treatments that better target specific diseases by understanding how the immune system recognizes them.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of immune shape space exists, this project uses novel machine learning methods to quantify these complex relationships, building on prior work in protein structure and machine learning.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NOURMOHAMMAD, ARMITA — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: NOURMOHAMMAD, ARMITA
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.