Understanding how immune cells move to different tissues in the body
Official title: Novel Lymphocyte Chemoattractant Receptor and Ligand
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11042781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells find their way to different parts of the body, especially the lungs, and it’s exploring a new receptor that helps guide these cells, which could lead to better treatments for autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation that many patients face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | February 23, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $672,536 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178113-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory conditions affecting mucosal tissues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related conditions or those not experiencing chronic inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which immune cells, specifically lymphocytes, are directed to various tissues in the body, particularly in the lungs and other mucosal sites. The study focuses on a newly identified receptor and its ligand that play a crucial role in guiding these immune cells to their target locations. By exploring the interactions and signaling pathways of this receptor, the research aims to uncover how immune responses can be better controlled, potentially leading to new therapies for autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. Patients may benefit from insights gained about immune cell behavior and how it relates to their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases by improving the targeting of immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune cell trafficking, but this specific receptor-ligand interaction is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butcher, Eugene C — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Butcher, Eugene C
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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.