TIM‑3/BAT‑3 pathway and how immune cells learn tolerance
Role of Tim-3:Bat-3 pathway in inducing tolerogenic DCs and peripheral tolerance
This project looks at whether the TIM‑3/BAT‑3 pathway in certain immune cells helps stop immune attacks in people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247102 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a molecule called TIM‑3 that sits on dendritic cells, using genetically modified mice and lab-grown human cells to see how it shapes immune responses. They made mice missing TIM‑3 only in dendritic cells to watch how that changes outcomes in autoimmune disease models and in tumor settings. Laboratory experiments will follow signals like BAT‑3 and TCF1 to see if dendritic cells become more 'tolerant' and prevent harmful T cell activity. The aim is to learn whether targeting this pathway could eventually reduce autoimmune attacks or improve immunotherapy approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions (for example, multiple sclerosis) or those willing to donate blood or tissue for immunology studies would be most relevant for related patient-facing activities.
Not a fit: People without immune-mediated conditions or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to calm harmful immune responses in autoimmune diseases or to refine cancer immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown TIM‑3 affects exhausted T cells and can influence cancer therapy, but its specific role on dendritic cells and in promoting tolerance is a newer and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuchroo, Vijay K. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kuchroo, Vijay K.
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.