Tagging T cells by the tiny forces they use to recognize targets
Mechano-ID for tagging immune cells
This project will create a tool that tags human T cells based on the small mechanical forces they use to spot infected or cancerous cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231652 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, researchers are building a new lab tool that marks T cells when they apply specific mechanical pulls while touching other cells. They combine molecular tension probes with proximity tagging so only T cells that transmit a certain force through their receptors get labeled. The team will use these labeled cells from human samples to find which peptides and interactions trigger the strongest mechanical signals. This approach is meant to reveal immune responses that standard affinity tests can miss and guide better targets for therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with immune-related conditions or cancer who can donate blood or tissue samples would be the most relevant participants for this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those who cannot provide a sample are unlikely to get direct personal benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help scientists pick the most effective targets for vaccines and T cell–based immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown that mechanical forces influence T cell activation and molecular tension probes exist, but tagging T cells by force magnitude is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salaita, Khalid S. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Salaita, Khalid S.
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.