Understanding How Immune Cells Organize in the Gut
Chemokines and Lymphoid Tissue Organization and Function
This project aims to understand how immune cells are organized and maintained in the gut to protect us from illness and maintain a healthy balance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 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-11026424 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The gut has a special immune system that helps keep it healthy and fights off germs. This work looks at specific immune cells, called intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and IgA-producing cells, which are important for gut health. We want to discover how certain signals, particularly those involving G-protein coupled receptors, guide these immune cells to the right places in the gut. By understanding these signals, we hope to learn more about how the gut's immune system works to protect us. This knowledge could eventually help us find new ways to support gut health and fight diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals with conditions related to intestinal immune system dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how the gut immune system functions, potentially informing new strategies to treat intestinal diseases or improve vaccine responses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have highlighted the importance of G-protein coupled receptors in immune cell movement, providing a strong foundation for this investigation into their specific roles in the gut.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cyster, Jason G — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Cyster, Jason G
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.