Understanding how pathogenic CD8 T cells develop in HLA-B27–associated anterior uveitis
Official title: Understanding the Development of Pathogenic CD8 T Cells in HLA-B*27-Associated Acute Anterior Uveitis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11364905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults with a specific eye inflammation explores how certain immune cells start to cause disease, aiming to uncover new ways to prevent or treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $536,886 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY037688-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HLA-B27–associated acute anterior uveitis or related inflammatory eye conditions.
✕Less likely to help
People without HLA-B27 or with non-uveitis eye conditions may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project looks at why a subset of T cells becomes harmful in people with HLA-B27–associated anterior uveitis, a type of vision-threatening inflammation. Researchers will analyze existing data and single-cell RNA sequencing from patients to see if gut-related inflammation influences these T cells. They will compare T cells that react to a bacterial peptide with those that cross-react to eye self-antigens to identify what drives the autoimmune process. The work combines human patient data with advanced immune profiling to pinpoint key steps in disease development. The ultimate goal is to reveal targets for earlier diagnosis and better therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to earlier detection and new treatments that stop or lessen eye inflammation in patients with HLA-B27–associated uveitis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked pathogenic T cells to autoimmune uveitis, but this project explores cross-reactivity and intestinal triggers in a well-defined patient subgroup, offering a novel angle.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paley, Michael Alexander — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Paley, Michael Alexander
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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.