NOD2 in T cells helps control uveitis in Blau syndrome
Official title: A T cell intrinsic role for NOD2 in suppression of uveitis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11429582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a human immune system protein (NOD2) in T cells helps prevent dangerous eye inflammation in Blau syndrome patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,718 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY039451-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Blau syndrome patients with uveitis or related ocular inflammation, and Blau patient-derived T cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Blau syndrome or without uveitis may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
Blau syndrome can cause eye inflammation that leads to vision loss. The researchers propose that NOD2 in T cells acts as a checkpoint to keep Th17 cells from overreacting and causing damage in the eye. They will study T cell signaling and IL-17 production in Blau patients and in mice to understand how defective NOD2 contributes to uveitis. The work builds on patient data and mouse models to pinpoint mechanisms and potential treatment angles. The goal is to identify why current therapies fail for Blau patients and how to better control eye inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective, targeted therapies to prevent vision loss in Blau syndrome by normalizing T cell responses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data indicate NOD2-related T cell regulation affects Th17-driven inflammation, supporting potential translation to Blau-associated uveitis.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Napier, Ruth — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Napier, Ruth
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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.