Understanding how our immune system makes antibodies and how this process can go wrong in cancers
Targeting of somatic hypermutation in the genome
This research explores how our bodies create strong antibodies to fight infections and how errors in this process can lead to certain blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system makes special proteins called antibodies that help us fight off infections and respond to vaccines. This happens through a natural process called somatic hypermutation, which fine-tunes antibodies to be more effective. Sometimes, this process goes awry and can contribute to genetic changes that lead to B cell malignancies, a type of blood cancer. This project aims to uncover the exact steps and factors that control this antibody-making process, especially focusing on how it is targeted correctly or incorrectly within our cells. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to prevent or treat these cancers and improve how well vaccines work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with B cell malignancies or those interested in the basic mechanisms of immune system function and vaccine responses.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating B cell malignancies and enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall process of antibody maturation is known, this project introduces a new conceptual framework and advanced methods to understand its targeting, building on existing knowledge with novel approaches.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schatz, David G. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Schatz, David G.
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.