Understanding how fetal-derived B cells develop and function
Official title: The developmental pathway of fetal-derived B cells
Funded at Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine · NIH-11088277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called B cells, which usually come from blood stem cells, can also develop from cells in the blood vessels of fetuses, and it aims to understand their roles in fighting diseases, which could help improve treatments for blood disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kalamazoo, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,077 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165798-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with conditions related to B cell function, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia or autoimmune disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have B cell-related conditions or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the developmental pathways of B cells that originate from fetal endothelial cells rather than the traditional hematopoietic stem cells. By exploring how these B cells develop and their roles in the immune system, the research aims to fill a significant knowledge gap in hematology and immunology. The study will utilize advanced methodologies to track the origins and functions of these B cells, comparing them to those derived from hematopoietic stem cells. This could lead to new insights into immune responses and potential therapies for blood disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for blood disorders and autoimmune diseases by enhancing our understanding of B cell development.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of HSC-independent B cell development is relatively novel, preliminary data and other studies suggest that similar approaches have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
Kalamazoo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoshimoto, Momoko — Western Michigan Univ School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yoshimoto, Momoko
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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.