Understanding how immune memory contributes to chronic autoimmune uveitis
Official title: Mechanisms of immunological memory-mediated pathogenesis in chronic autoimmune uveitis
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11076655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a specific type of immune cell contributes to chronic autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can cause serious vision problems, using a special mouse model to help find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034111-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic autoimmune uveitis, particularly those experiencing vision loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute forms of uveitis or those without autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind chronic autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can lead to severe vision loss and is often resistant to treatment. The study utilizes a newly developed mouse model that mimics the chronic form of the disease seen in humans, allowing researchers to explore the role of long-lived memory T cells in sustaining inflammation in the eye. By examining the unique characteristics of these immune cells and the local environment in the retina, the research aims to uncover new insights into the disease's progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic autoimmune uveitis, potentially preserving vision for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on acute uveitis, this investigation into chronic autoimmune uveitis using a novel model is relatively untested and could provide groundbreaking insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yihe — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yihe
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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.