Understanding how immune cells influence the development of salivary glands
Official title: Immune-derived mediators of salivary gland development and differentiation
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11107320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells help salivary glands grow and heal, especially after they've been damaged by cancer treatments or conditions like Sjögren's Syndrome, to find new ways to help restore their function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $628,965 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE034776-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11107320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from dry mouth due to head and neck cancer treatments or those diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact salivary gland function or those not affected by autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of immune cells in the development and differentiation of salivary glands, particularly in the context of damage caused by cancer treatments and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's Syndrome. The project aims to uncover the cellular interactions that are crucial for the regeneration of salivary glands, which are often compromised due to these conditions. By studying the dynamics between immune cells and salivary gland epithelial cells, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets for restoring gland function. The approach includes using advanced bioengineering techniques and transgenic models to explore these interactions in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore salivary gland function and alleviate symptoms like dry mouth and oral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using bioengineering approaches for tissue regeneration, indicating potential success for this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: May, Alison — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: May, Alison
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.