Role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in corneal immunity
Official title: The role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in corneal immunity
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11468519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a specific eye immune cell (plasmacytoid dendritic cells) helps keep the cornea calm and may prevent damaging inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $424,481 |
| NIH project number | 7R01EY034942-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with corneal diseases or injuries where immune-driven inflammation contributes to disease progression may benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
There is no direct patient benefit until specific therapies are developed and tested in clinical settings.
What this research studies
The project looks at how plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the cornea contribute to immune balance, especially during infections or injury. Researchers will use single-cell sequencing to identify key molecules and pathways, and study how these cells interact with T cells in eye-draining lymph nodes. The work aims to map steps from leukocyte recruitment to T cell activation and tolerance in the cornea, with a focus on regulatory T cells. It also considers the potential for transferring these cells to support corneal immune regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent or reduce damaging corneal inflammation and improve healing.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest PDCs help regulate corneal inflammation and T cell responses, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamrah, Pedram — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Hamrah, Pedram
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.