Role of thymic B cells in teaching the immune system to be tolerant
Official title: Role of thymic B cells in immune tolerance
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11535460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how certain thymic B cells influence how the immune system learns not to attack the body, which could help people with AIDS and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $245,219 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AI184587-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with autoimmune diseases or immune deficiencies may be relevant if future therapies emerge from this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
Immediate clinical benefits are not expected; results may inform future therapies.
What this research studies
The project looks at how T cells and B cells communicate in the thymus to shape immune tolerance. It focuses on thymic B cells that may help form regulatory T cells (Tfr) and prevent autoantibody production. Researchers will study the signals and receptors involved, and what happens when thymic B cells are absent. The goal is to understand a pathway that could reduce autoimmune risks in people with immune system disorders. This work could reveal new angles for therapies that promote immune tolerance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this pathway could lead to new strategies to prevent autoimmune reactions in people with immune deficiencies or autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows thymic B cells and Tfr cells influence immune tolerance, but the exact role of thymic B cells is still being defined.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Ryan J — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Ryan J
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.