Targeting Immune Cells to Protect the Pancreas in Autoimmune Diabetes
iSTAR Tregs
This project explores a new way to use special immune cells to protect the pancreas in people with autoimmune diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128830 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have special immune cells called regulatory T cells, or Tregs, that help keep our immune system from attacking healthy tissues. In autoimmune diabetes, these protective cells don't work well, leading the immune system to destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This research aims to engineer these Tregs so they can specifically find and protect the pancreas, stopping the immune attack right where it starts. We also plan to develop a way to monitor how well these engineered cells are working in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on patients with autoimmune diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of diabetes or those without autoimmune activity in their pancreas would likely not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a more effective treatment for autoimmune diabetes by stopping the immune system from attacking the pancreas.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical trials have shown that Treg cell therapy for type 1 diabetes is safe and feasible, paving the way for this next-generation approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Qizhi — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Tang, Qizhi
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.