Perceived discrimination, where you live, and race shape immune cell behavior
Official title: Perceived Discrimination, Geography, and Demographic Effects on Immune Cell Function and Regulation
Funded at Morgan State University · NIH-11377964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Morgan State University is looking at how geography, race, and perceived discrimination relate to how immune cells behave in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morgan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 31, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $397,005 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD013376-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults from diverse backgrounds in Baltimore who are willing to provide blood samples and participate in behavioral assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not matching the study’s geographic or demographic focus or who are unwilling to participate in blood draws or behavioral surveys may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will collect blood samples from participants to study monocytes and use advanced genomic techniques to see how social experiences and geographic location relate to immune cell function and gene regulation. The study combines behavioral aspects with laboratory analyses like flow cytometry and next-generation transcriptomics to understand the biological impact of discrimination. By focusing on how identity and place interact with stressors, the project aims to identify pathways that could lead to better prevention or treatment of immune-related diseases. This work offers a bridge between social experiences and measurable biology that may help diverse communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform interventions to reduce health disparities linked to discrimination and geography.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows social factors can influence immune activity, but this project explores the specific combination of geography, race/ethnicity, and discrimination with genomic outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Morgan State University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tulloch, Ingrid K — Morgan State University
- Study coordinator: Tulloch, Ingrid K
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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.