Understanding how antigen location and density affect immune cell development

Potent Signal 1 as a noncanonical Signal 3: antigen location, and peptide:MHCII complex density and half-life as drivers of CD4+ T cell differentiation

NIH-funded research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11033605

This study looks at how the way immune cells show certain signals affects the development of important immune cells called CD4+ T cells, which help our body fight off diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, with the goal of finding better treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11033605 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the location and density of antigens presented by immune cells influence the differentiation of CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for adaptive immune responses. The study aims to explore the roles of different signals that drive T cell activation and differentiation, particularly focusing on the strength of the antigen signal and its interaction with co-stimulatory signals. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve our understanding of immune responses in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to better therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cancer or autoimmune diseases who may benefit from enhanced immune therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune response or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer and improved treatments for autoimmune conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell differentiation through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapyanti-cancer therapyanticancer immunotherapyAutoimmune Diseasesautoimmune disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.