Understanding how certain immune cells help prevent autoimmune diseases in newborns
Official title: Aire-dependent thymic B-1a cells play a key role in neonatal tolerance induction
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11060957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell called CD5+ B-1a cells helps newborns develop a healthy immune system that can prevent autoimmune diseases, and it aims to find ways to use this knowledge to help treat those conditions later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 21, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $396,874 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170933-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060957 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with autoimmune conditions or those at risk of developing such disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autoimmune diseases or are not at risk for these conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of CD5+ B-1a cells, a type of immune cell, in the development of self-tolerance during the neonatal period. It focuses on how these cells interact with T cells in the thymus to promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which are crucial for preventing autoimmune responses. The study employs advanced techniques to analyze the signaling pathways and cellular interactions involved in this process, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted for therapeutic purposes in autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing autoimmune diseases by enhancing the body's ability to maintain self-tolerance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in tolerance and autoimmunity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herzenberg, Leonore a. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Herzenberg, Leonore 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.