Understanding how cell death affects the immune system

Deciphering the immunogenicity of cell death using systematic genetic tools

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10951271

This study is looking at how certain immune cells deal with dead cells in the body and how this affects our immune response, especially in conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases, to find better ways to treat these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10951271 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how professional phagocytes, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, process dead cells and the immune responses that follow. It aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms that determine whether cell death is recognized as a threat or ignored by the immune system. By using systematic genetic tools, the study seeks to clarify how these processes differ in conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve treatments for various diseases linked to immune responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or cancers where immune response plays a critical role.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune responses or cell death may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune response against cancers and improve treatments for autoimmune diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses related to cell death, but this approach aims to provide novel insights into the genetic mechanisms involved.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 Autoimmune Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.