Understanding how immune cells control the body's defenses
Regulation of Innate Dendritic Cell CTLA-4
This research explores how certain immune cells, called dendritic cells, use a protein called CTLA-4 to balance the body's immune response, which could help us understand autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system relies on a delicate balance, and this research focuses on how a key protein, CTLA-4, helps maintain that balance within specialized immune cells called dendritic cells. While CTLA-4's role in other immune cells is well-known, its function in dendritic cells is a newer discovery. We found that dendritic cells can release CTLA-4 in tiny packages, influencing other immune cells and potentially boosting the body's ability to fight off diseases. This work aims to uncover new ways the immune system is controlled, which is important for conditions where the immune system is overactive or underactive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications could target individuals with autoimmune conditions or certain cancers.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat autoimmune diseases or improve immunity against cancer and infections by better controlling the immune system.
How similar studies have performed: While CTLA-4 is a well-known immune checkpoint, its specific role in dendritic cells and the mechanism of exosome-mediated regulation are relatively novel discoveries from this research group.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Decker, William Karl — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Decker, William Karl
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.