Understanding how immune cells get their 'go' signal
The cell and molecular mechanisms underlying CD28 costimulation
This research explores how a specific signal helps immune cells called T cells become active, which is important for fighting infections and diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10992631 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system relies on special cells called T cells to fight off invaders and diseases. For these T cells to become fully active, they need a 'second signal' provided by a molecule called CD28. This project aims to uncover the exact steps and molecules involved when CD28 sends its signals inside the T cell. By understanding how CD28 influences the cell's internal structure and other signals, we hope to gain a clearer picture of T cell activation. This deeper knowledge could pave the way for new treatments that can either boost or quiet the immune system when needed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications may benefit individuals with autoimmune diseases or those needing immune suppression.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by conditions related to T cell activation or immune system regulation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of CD28 signaling could lead to new medications that can either enhance the immune system to fight diseases or suppress it to treat autoimmune conditions or prevent organ rejection.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall molecular understanding of CD28 signaling is incomplete, this project builds upon recent promising findings from the research team's own laboratory.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zikherman, Julie — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Zikherman, Julie
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.