Understanding how T cells affect skin cells in scleroderma
Official title: T cell-mediated control of dermal fibroblast gene programs and dysfunction in scleroderma
Funded at Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason · NIH-11114053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells affect the worsening of scleroderma, a condition that causes hardening of the skin and organs, to help find new ways to treat its symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185642-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with scleroderma who are experiencing symptoms related to skin and organ fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases or those without a diagnosis of scleroderma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of T cells in the progression of scleroderma, a serious autoimmune disease that causes skin and organ fibrosis. By examining how T cells interact with fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing connective tissue, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the disease's pathology. The researchers will analyze different populations of T cells and their effects on fibroblast gene expression in both healthy and affected skin. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing scleroderma symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or alleviate the symptoms of scleroderma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting T cell interactions can lead to improvements in autoimmune conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morawski, Peter a — Benaroya Research Inst at Virginia Mason
- Study coordinator: Morawski, Peter a
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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.