Single-cell secretions test to read antibody signals from immune cells
NanoSMS: single molecule secretome analysis for non-destructive cellular fingerprinting
A new lab method to read the molecules individual immune cells release, aiming to spot antibody activity in people with autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds a tool that traps single cells in tiny droplets on a glass slide and reads the molecules they release using nanopore sensors with single-molecule sensitivity. The team plans to measure antibody production from plasma cells taken from patients with autoimmune diseases, and to watch how B and T cells respond over time when exposed to a single antigen. They will also study interactions between eosinophils and cancer cells to learn how secreted molecules change in different conditions. The work is lab-based and uses human immune cells or samples provided by patients to create detailed cellular ‘fingerprints.’
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with autoimmune conditions who are willing to donate blood or immune cell samples for research would be the ideal participants for this project.
Not a fit: People without immune-related conditions or those expecting immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable tests that pinpoint which immune cells are making harmful antibodies and help tailor treatments for autoimmune disease patients.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is largely novel—single-cell secretome measurement at single-molecule sensitivity is new, though related single-cell and nanopore techniques have shown encouraging laboratory results.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freedman, Kevin — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Freedman, Kevin
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.