Molecular factors controlling how short immune-stimulating RNAs are made and released
Official title: Molecular factors governing the biogenesis and release of short immunostimulatory RNAs
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11453478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying tiny RNA molecules that help the immune system respond to infections, with a new method to detect these RNAs more completely.
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 | July 2, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI196695-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be individuals or samples where human monocyte-derived macrophages or related immune cells can be studied, such as those with infectious conditions affecting the immune system.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or non-immune-focused conditions might not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how small RNA fragments derived from tRNAs shape immune responses, using a novel sequencing method (cP-RNA-seq) to capture RNAs traditional methods miss. The team will examine how infections and immune signals influence these RNAs in human immune cells and their released vesicles. The work combines advanced molecular techniques and quantitative assays to map and measure the presence and activity of these sncRNAs, aiming to clarify their role in defense against pathogens like HIV/AIDS-related viruses. By revealing how these RNAs stimulate immune pathways, the research could identify new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better understanding of immune signaling and potential new approaches to diagnose or modulate immune responses in infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that specialized RNA sequencing can uncover previously hidden immune-related RNAs, supporting potential impactful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirino, Yohei — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Kirino, Yohei
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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.