New SASO organelle in immune cells that helps define the body's 'self'
THE IMMUNE SELF-ASSOCIATED STORAGE ORGANELLE (SASO)
This work looks at a newly found compartment inside immune cells that may teach the immune system what belongs to your body, which could help people with cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a newly discovered compartment called the Self-Associated Storage Organelle (SASO) found in macrophages and some dendritic cells. They will use advanced imaging (including lattice-light sheet and electron microscopy), mass spectrometry, and genetic CRISPR screens to see how the SASO holds and presents pieces of the body to the immune system. The goal is to understand how this organelle helps the immune system recognize 'self' so it can stop attacking the body or better target tumors. Findings are intended to guide future treatments that boost anti-tumor responses or reduce autoimmune reactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no current patient enrollment for the lab-based work, but future clinical efforts would likely involve people with cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to strengthen immune attacks on cancer while reducing harmful autoimmune responses.
How similar studies have performed: The imaging, mass-spectrometry, and CRISPR methods used here have revealed important immune mechanisms before, but applying them to this newly described organelle is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krummel, Matthew F — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Krummel, Matthew F
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.