Understanding how Helios affects natural killer cell development
Official title: Investigating Helios as a regulator of natural killer cell effector maturation
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10792900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Helios to see how it helps natural killer (NK) cells, which are important for fighting infections and cancer, develop and work better; by using special mice without Helios, researchers hope to learn how to improve NK cell responses in patients with different diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $238,576 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI174641-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10792900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions that affect NK cell function, such as certain cancers or viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to NK cell function or those who do not have immune system disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Helios in the development of natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and cancer. The study will involve creating special mice that lack Helios to observe how this absence affects NK cell maturation and their ability to respond to infections and tumors. By examining these changes, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that regulate NK cell function and self-renewal, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about enhancing NK cell responses in various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance the immune response against infections and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding NK cell biology, but the specific role of Helios in this context is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kee, Barbara L. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kee, Barbara L.
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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.