Understanding Cell Signals in Autoimmune Diseases and Cancers
The Molecular Basis for Integrin-Mediated Bidirectional Signaling
This work aims to understand how certain proteins on immune cells, called integrins, send and receive signals, which is important for conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128565 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune cells, called leukocytes, protect us from illness, and their ability to move, stick to things, and communicate depends on special proteins called integrins. When these integrins don't work correctly, it can lead to various health problems, including autoimmune diseases and several types of cancer. We want to uncover the exact ways these integrins become active and recognize other molecules, which could help explain why current treatments sometimes have unexpected side effects. By using advanced imaging techniques, we hope to see how these proteins change shape and identify key parts that control their function. This deeper understanding could pave the way for more effective and safer treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals living with autoimmune diseases, certain cardiac or pulmonary conditions, infectious diseases, and various cancers in the long term.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, more targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancers by improving our understanding of how immune cells function.
How similar studies have performed: While integrins are known therapeutic targets, drug development has been challenging due to gaps in understanding their precise mechanisms, making this a novel approach to address those fundamental questions.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, Melody G — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Campbell, Melody G
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.