Understanding How Our Cells Fight Infections and Autoimmune Diseases
Deciphering Post-transcriptional Gene Regulatory Networks During Periods of Host-Pathogen Interaction and Innate Immune Activation
This research helps us understand the basic ways our body's defense system, called innate immunity, responds to threats like viruses and how this relates to autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have a built-in defense system that recognizes foreign invaders like viruses by sensing their genetic material. This project aims to uncover the crucial steps in how our cells react to these threats, particularly focusing on how genes are regulated after their initial instructions are made. By understanding these detailed cellular processes, we hope to learn why sometimes this defense system works perfectly, and other times it can go awry, leading to autoimmune diseases where the body mistakenly attacks itself. This foundational knowledge is key to developing new ways to manage or treat these complex conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with autoimmune diseases or those susceptible to severe infections might eventually benefit from the new knowledge gained from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to innate immunity or autoimmune disorders may not directly benefit from this specific area of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of autoimmune diseases and how our bodies fight infections, potentially paving the way for new treatments or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: The research builds upon substantial progress made in previous investigations into key proteins involved in immune responses, suggesting a solid foundation for continued success.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ascano, Manuel — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Ascano, Manuel
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.