Understanding how dying cells affect the immune system in autoimmune diseases
Deciphering the immunogenicity of cell death using systematic genetic tools
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11170611
This research explores how the body's immune system decides whether to react to dying cells, which is important for conditions like autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11170611 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our bodies constantly clear away billions of dying cells, usually without triggering an immune response that attacks our own tissues. However, sometimes the immune system mistakenly reacts to these dying cells, leading to autoimmune diseases where the body attacks itself. This project aims to uncover the specific signals that tell the immune system whether to ignore or react to dying cells. By understanding these signals, we hope to find new ways to either calm down an overactive immune system or boost it when needed, for example, to fight cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients living with autoimmune diseases, as it seeks to understand the basic mechanisms underlying their conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without autoimmune conditions or those whose conditions are unrelated to immune responses to dying cells may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that either prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues in autoimmune diseases or enhance its ability to fight off infections and cancers.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of immune responses to cell death is known, this project proposes a novel systematic genetic approach to understand the specific molecular signals involved, which are currently not well understood.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAMBER, ROARKE ALEXANDER — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: KAMBER, ROARKE ALEXANDER
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.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases