Proteins that control T cell growth and function
Functional protein networks underlying T cell growth, proliferation and differentiation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11126570
Researchers are mapping how proteins control CD4+ and regulatory T cell growth and stability to help people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126570 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have an autoimmune disease, this project studies how proteins shape CD4+ T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells that keep the immune system in balance. Scientists use human samples and mouse models to focus on proteins like AIM2 and signaling pathways such as Akt-mTOR to understand why Treg cells lose stability during inflammation. The team compares normal and AIM2-deficient cells, measures protein expression, signaling activity, and immune cell metabolism, and tests effects in an autoimmune model (EAE). The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted to restore Treg function in autoimmune conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with T cell–driven autoimmune diseases (for example, multiple sclerosis or related disorders) willing to provide blood or tissue samples or participate in observational studies.
Not a fit: People without T cell–mediated autoimmune conditions or those seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic-research project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify protein targets or pathways to restore regulatory T cell function and reduce harmful autoimmune inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies, including work from this group showing AIM2's role in Treg stability and disease severity in EAE, support the idea but translation to human treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WAN, YISONG — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: WAN, YISONG
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases