Understanding how immune signaling maintains balance in the body
Official title: Signaling activation and constraints in maintaining immune homeostasis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10884188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's natural defense system spots germs and keeps everything in balance, using a plant called Arabidopsis to learn more about the special receptors that help prevent autoimmune diseases, with the hope of finding ways to boost our immunity without causing harmful reactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM149197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases or those at risk of developing such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related health issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the innate immune system detects pathogens and maintains immune balance. It focuses on specialized immune receptors that recognize harmful molecules and how their activation is regulated to prevent autoimmune diseases. Using Arabidopsis as a model organism, the research employs advanced genetic screening techniques to explore the signaling networks involved in immune responses. The goal is to uncover how these processes can be optimized to enhance immunity while avoiding harmful overreactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing autoimmune diseases and improving immune responses in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Ping — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: He, Ping
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.