NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how cell death affects the immune system

Official title: Deciphering the immunogenicity of cell death using systematic genetic tools

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10951271 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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 startAugust 15, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$492,000
NIH project number1DP2AI184830-01
Project IDNIH-10951271 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

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

Less likely to help

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

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.

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 gone: 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

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kamber, Roarke Alexander — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Kamber, Roarke Alexander

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.