Understanding how certain immune cells work in the gut to prevent inflammation
CD39 in gamma delta intraepithelial lymphocyte function
This project explores how specific immune cells in the gut help maintain a healthy balance and how they might contribute to inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our gut needs a careful balance between fighting off germs and preventing harmful inflammation. In conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), this balance is disrupted, leading to ongoing inflammation. This project focuses on special immune cells called gamma delta intraepithelial lymphocytes (gd IELs) that act as a first line of defense and help regulate the immune system. We know that a molecule called CD39 on these cells is reduced in IBD patients. This research aims to uncover how CD39 is controlled and how it affects the protective role of these immune cells, including the influence of gut bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the underlying biology relevant to individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
Not a fit: Patients without inflammatory bowel disease or related gut immune conditions would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to restore immune balance in the gut and develop better treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of gd IELs and CD39 in immunity is known, this specific investigation into their regulation and function in IBD, especially concerning the microbiota, explores novel aspects.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edelblum, Karen Leigh — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Edelblum, Karen Leigh
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 below.