Understanding how immune cells learn to tolerate the body's own tissues
Regulation of CD4 T cell tolerance by the NR4A family of nuclear receptors
This work explores how certain proteins called NR4A help immune cells called T cells recognize and tolerate the body's own healthy cells, which could lead to new ways to treat autoimmune 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-11143828 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have special immune cells called T cells that learn to tell the difference between harmful invaders and our own healthy tissues. Sometimes, these T cells make a mistake and attack our own body, leading to autoimmune diseases. This project focuses on a family of proteins called NR4A that play a key role in teaching T cells to be tolerant. Researchers are looking into how these NR4A proteins work and how they can be controlled with medications to help T cells behave correctly. The goal is to find new ways to prevent or treat conditions where the immune system attacks itself.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the basic mechanisms of autoimmune diseases and the potential for future therapies that target T cell function.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drug targets and treatments that specifically adjust T cell responses to prevent or reduce the severity of autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the NR4A proteins are known to be involved in immune regulation, this specific approach to understanding their redundant functions and therapeutic exploitation represents a novel direction.
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.