Understanding how certain immune cells respond to infections and autoimmune diseases
Official title: The regulation and functions of Group 1 CD1-restricted T cells
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10932930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special immune cells that help fight infections like tuberculosis and how changes in diet might affect their function, which could help us find better ways to manage autoimmune diseases and infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $685,629 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI180031-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases or infections, particularly those affected by tuberculosis or hyperlipidemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune diseases or infections, or those not affected by tuberculosis or hyperlipidemia, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Group 1 CD1-restricted T cells, which are unique immune cells that recognize specific lipid antigens. By using a special mouse model that mimics human immune responses, the researchers aim to explore how these T cells function in the context of infections like tuberculosis and conditions such as hyperlipidemia. The study will assess how diet-induced changes in lipid levels affect the immune response of these T cells, potentially shedding light on their involvement in autoimmune diseases and infections. This could lead to new insights into how to better manage these conditions in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune diseases and infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of unconventional T cells in immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Chyung-Ru — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wang, Chyung-Ru
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.