RORα's role in TH17 immune cells and chronic inflammation
Ligand and transcriptional regulation of the nuclear receptor RORa on TH17 cell development and inflammation
This work looks at how a protein called RORα changes TH17 immune cells to help people with chronic inflammatory diseases like colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290374 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is studying how the nuclear receptor RORα affects TH17 immune cells that can drive chronic inflammation. They will use cell studies and mouse models to see how RORα and small molecules (ligands) turn genes on or off in these cells. The researchers will also identify proteins that interact with RORα to learn which pathways lead to harmful versus protective immune responses. The goal is to understand mechanisms that could point to new drug targets to shift TH17 cells away from causing ongoing inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with TH17-driven inflammatory conditions—for example inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's), certain autoimmune disorders, or other chronic inflammatory diseases—would be most likely to benefit or be future trial candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not driven by TH17 cells or who have short-term infections are unlikely to benefit from findings focused on TH17-mediated chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to reduce TH17-driven chronic inflammation in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work has shown related nuclear receptors (like RORγt) control TH17 cells, and mouse studies suggest RORα matters too, but RORα-specific targeting is less tested.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solt, Laura a — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Solt, Laura a
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.