Type-2 Cytokine Regulation of Tuft Cells in Salivary Glands
Official title: Type-2 Cytokine Regulation of Tuft Cell Differentiation in Salivary Glands
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11441695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how specific immune signals control tuft cells in salivary glands to understand their role in autoimmune disease like Sjögren’s syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $320,200 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE036291-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Sjögren’s syndrome or autoimmune conditions affecting the salivary glands who might benefit from future therapeutic insights.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without salivary gland autoimmune involvement may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Tuft cells are rare cells in the salivary glands that help sense the environment and release immune mediators. This project looks at how type-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-25) influence tuft cell formation and gland health, using mouse and human tissue to explore the connections to autoimmune damage. By examining tuft cell dynamics and gland function, researchers hope to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to protect salivary gland integrity in autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these pathways could lead to new approaches to preserve saliva production and reduce gland damage in autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows tuft cells influence gland biology and autoimmune inflammation, suggesting potential translational relevance but this particular regulatory link is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tavares Dos Santos, Harim — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Tavares Dos Santos, Harim
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.