Understanding how immune system signals are activated and regulated
Official title: Dissecting the molecular mechanism of cytokine activation and spatiotemporal regulation of innate immunity
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11142486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's first line of defense, the innate immune system, gets activated when it detects germs, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by understanding the proteins involved in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155239-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related conditions or those without any immune system disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the activation of the innate immune system, focusing on a complex known as the inflammasome. It aims to understand how this signaling platform responds to threats like pathogens and how it interacts with the adaptive immune system. By studying the role of specific proteins, such as adaptor proteins and caspase-1, the research seeks to uncover the processes that lead to inflammation and immune responses. This knowledge could help identify new therapeutic targets for autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases by improving our understanding of immune system regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taabazuing, Cornelius — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Taabazuing, Cornelius
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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.