Regulatory B cells to calm harmful immune responses
Mechanisms of action, optimization and application of Bregs
This project aims to grow and refine regulatory B cell therapies to stop immune attacks in autoimmune disease and to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250997 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are isolating and expanding a type of immune cell called regulatory B cells (Bregs) to learn how they suppress harmful immune responses. They will study Breg mechanisms, improve methods to grow and modify them outside the body, and test whether transferring Bregs can create long-lasting immune tolerance in transplant and autoimmune models. The work combines laboratory experiments, animal models, and human-derived samples to optimize safety and potency. The goal is to develop Breg-based treatments that could one day be offered to patients as alternatives to broad immunosuppression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions or individuals preparing for or recovering from organ transplantation who need improved ways to prevent immune attacks are the most likely candidates for future Breg therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose problems are not driven by harmful immune responses, or those with active infections or cancers that require a strong immune system, are unlikely to benefit from Breg-based approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to cell-based therapies that better control autoimmune diseases and prevent transplant rejection while reducing reliance on long-term immunosuppressive drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Related cell therapies such as CAR-T and regulatory T cell (Treg) approaches have shown clinical promise, but Breg-based therapies are earlier-stage and less tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Markmann, James Francis — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Markmann, James Francis
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.