Understanding CD7 Signaling in Immune Cells
Unmasking the Immunomodulatory Roles of CD7 Signaling
This research explores how a molecule called CD7 helps immune cells called T cells work, hoping to find new ways to help people with autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system relies on T cells to fight off illness, but sometimes these cells don't work correctly, leading to conditions like autoimmune diseases. This project aims to understand a specific molecule, CD7, which appears to play a crucial role in how T cells receive signals and perform their functions. Researchers will look closely at how CD7 influences T cells during infections, examining changes at the genetic and protein levels. The goal is to discover if we can adjust CD7's activity to either boost or calm down T cell responses, depending on what a patient needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients who might benefit from therapies that adjust their immune system's T cell activity, such as those with autoimmune conditions, persistent infections, or specific cancers.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to T cell function or CD7 signaling may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target CD7 to improve T cell function for patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or certain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work considered CD7 less important, preliminary findings from this team suggest a significant, novel role for CD7, making this a new direction for immune system research.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, Wan-Lin — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Lo, Wan-Lin
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.