NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how different forms of the TOX protein affect T cell development

Official title: Characterization of TOX isoform-specific roles in T cell and ILC development

Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11039500 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how different versions of a protein called TOX affect the growth of important immune cells, which could help us understand better how our immune system works and find new ways to treat conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startFebruary 24, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$202,488
NIH project number1R21AI188177-01
Project IDNIH-11039500 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or cancers that involve T cell dysfunction.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-immune related conditions or those not affected by T cell-related issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the roles of different isoforms of the TOX protein in the development of T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). By examining how these isoforms are produced and how they influence gene expression, the study aims to uncover new insights into immune system functioning. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the effects of these protein variations on T cell lineage development and their implications in conditions like autoimmunity and cancer. This work could lead to a better understanding of immune responses and potential therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers by targeting specific protein functions in T cells.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of protein isoforms in immune function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kaye, Jonathan G — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Kaye, Jonathan G

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Lipid signals that control acetyl-CoA and fat metabolism in NAFLD

    A study exploring how membrane lipids influence acetyl-CoA metabolism to understand and potentially treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11591466

  • Them1’s role in fat metabolism and MASLD progression

    Aims to understand how a fat-regulating protein (Them1) affects energy use in fat and liver, and how this could contribute to MASLD in people who are overweight.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11591395

  • Biomarker-guided Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplant Patients

    A multicenter study in kidney transplant recipients is testing whether a biomarker score from HLA-DR/DQ can guide changes in immunosuppression to reduce rejection risk and drug toxicity.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11550940

  • Alpha5 integrin's role in ALS: how a cell switch worsens disease

    Aims to understand how a specific protein called alpha5 integrin in immune cells affects ALS progression and whether blocking it can help extend life.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11540166

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and Alzheimer's disease progression

    This project looks at whether a common lung infection, Chlamydia pneumoniae, might influence Alzheimer's disease in people and what that could mean for treatment.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11538116

  • Them1 Inhibitors to Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease

    Aims to develop and test small molecule drugs that block Them1 to help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11519341

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.