Understanding how fetal T-cells develop into different types of immune cells
Official title: Dissecting the transcription factor networks controlling fetal T-lineage differentiation
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11005207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells called T-cells grow and change in babies before they are born, and it hopes to find out how these processes differ from T-cells in adults, which could help us understand more about the immune system and improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI181504-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old, particularly those with immune system disorders or conditions affecting T-cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have any immune-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique pathways of T-cell development in the fetal thymus, focusing on how these cells differentiate into various immune cell types. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to compare the transcriptional programs of fetal and adult T-cells. This could reveal distinct developmental programs that may have implications for understanding immune responses and potential therapies. Patients may benefit from insights into how their immune systems develop and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of immune system development, potentially informing new treatments for immune-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding T-cell differentiation, but this specific focus on fetal T-cell pathways is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macnabb, Brendan William — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Macnabb, Brendan William
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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.