Understanding how immune cells move and activate T cells
Official title: Programmed death ligand-1 interactions in the regulation of dendritic cell migration and T cell priming
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11003684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called dendritic cells move around in the body to help activate T cells, which are important for fighting off diseases like cancer, and it aims to find new ways to boost this process, especially when it comes to vaccines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $38,346 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI176607-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from enhanced immune responses, such as cancer patients or those undergoing vaccination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-immune related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of dendritic cells in the immune system, focusing on how they migrate to lymph nodes to activate T cells. By examining the interactions between programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and CD80 proteins, the study aims to uncover new ways to manipulate dendritic cell movement and enhance immune responses, particularly in vaccination contexts. The research employs advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy to visualize these processes in real-time. The ultimate goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets that could improve immune responses against diseases such as cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies and therapies that enhance the body's immune response against cancers and other diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating immune cell interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kantheti, Uma — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kantheti, Uma
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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.