Understanding how mitochondrial health affects immune responses
Official title: Mechanistic link between mitochondrial cristae integrity and Th1 responses
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11044360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes might affect the immune system, especially T cells, to better understand autoimmune diseases, and it could help patients learn more about their conditions and find new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | November 8, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,746 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI181072-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or those with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune conditions or those without a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that influence the immune system's tendency towards autoimmunity, particularly focusing on T cells. Using a hybrid mouse model, the study aims to identify specific genetic variations that affect T cell function and their response to autoimmune conditions. By examining the role of a gene called TMEM11, which is linked to mitochondrial structure and function, the research seeks to uncover how these cellular mechanisms contribute to autoimmune diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the genetic basis of their conditions and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating autoimmune diseases by targeting mitochondrial health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic basis of autoimmunity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gwack, Yousang — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Gwack, Yousang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV
A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
Systems genetics of vascular smooth muscle phenotypes in heart disease
Aims to understand how genetic differences influence vascular smooth muscle cells to improve prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.
-
Motivation for Alcohol Use in Humans and How It Can Be Measured
This grant explores how people are motivated to drink alcohol and tests a safe, controlled way to study that motivation to inform better treatments for alcohol use disorder.
-
Overcoming CAR T cell resistance with tumor-targeted IL-12 to boost anti-tumor immunity
Aims to make CAR T cell therapy work better for solid tumors by using tumor-focused IL-12 to boost the body’s attack on cancer.
-
PediCODE: A Biorepository and Consortium for CoDE - Congenital Diarrhea and Enteropathy
A nationwide effort to collect clinical data and patient-derived samples to uncover the genetic causes of congenital diarrhea and enteropathy and to build a resource that helps researchers study these diseases.
-
Mentor Moms+: a community-led plan to cut alcohol use and HIV risk during pregnancy in South Africa
A community-based program adapts a trusted peer-led model to help pregnant and lactating people reduce alcohol use and HIV risk in South Africa.
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.