Understanding how B cells interact with common bacteria in the body
Official title: Investigating B cell central tolerance to a model commensal antigen
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11138246 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called B cells learns to fight off bad germs while not attacking the body's own healthy tissues, which could help us understand how the immune system works better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,486 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185145-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138246 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who may have autoimmune conditions or are interested in immune system health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no autoimmune issues or those not interested in immune system research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates how B cells, a type of immune cell, maintain balance between responding to harmful pathogens and avoiding attacks on the body's own tissues. It focuses on how these cells can develop tolerance to certain bacterial antigens, which are typically harmless. By using specially designed mice that express specific B cell receptors, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow B cells to distinguish between self and non-self antigens. This could lead to insights into how the immune system manages its responses to both beneficial and harmful microbes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and better understanding of immune responses to infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding B cell tolerance mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elsner, Rebecca a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Elsner, Rebecca a
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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.