Molecular clues to how a type of immune cell decides its fate
Official title: Molecular Basis for γδ T Lineage Specification
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11395226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports research to understand how γδ T cells choose their development path, which could lead to new ways to treat autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2014 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,351,288 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AI102853-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with autoimmune diseases or conditions where γδ T cell function is relevant may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune conditions or without γδ T cell–related immune involvement may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring the molecular signals that steer T cells toward different lineages in the thymus, focusing on how T cell receptor strength influences this decision. Using genome-wide approaches, the team is mapping how proteins interact with DNA during lineage commitment to γδ versus αβ T cells. The work aims to uncover targets that could later be leveraged to modulate immune responses in autoimmune conditions. By understanding these pathways, scientists hope to identify new strategies to prevent misdirected immune attacks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of immune cell development could lead to new approaches for treating autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that T cell signaling influences lineage outcomes, with growing evidence supporting genome-wide mechanisms in this process.
Where this research is happening
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Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiest, David L. — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wiest, David L.
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.