Understanding how certain immune cells affect corneal health
Official title: The role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in corneal immunity
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-10909875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the eye help keep things balanced and healthy, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like dry eye and infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $526,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034942-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909875 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with corneal diseases such as infectious keratitis or dry eye syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-corneal related autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) in maintaining the immune balance in the cornea, which is crucial for preventing diseases like infectious keratitis and dry eye. The study will utilize advanced techniques such as single cell sequencing to identify how PDCs contribute to immune tolerance and manage inflammation in the cornea. By examining the interactions between PDCs and T cells, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for corneal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients suffering from corneal diseases by enhancing immune regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell roles in other tissues, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamrah, Pedram — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hamrah, Pedram
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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.