Understanding how T cells become unresponsive to self-antigens
Official title: Altered TCR signaling in anergy
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10883780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help keep T cells from attacking the body's own tissues, which is important for preventing autoimmune diseases, and it aims to find out how these proteins work in mice to better understand how our immune system stays balanced.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178943-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases or those at risk of developing such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune conditions or those who do not have any immune system-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind T cell anergy, a state where T cells do not respond to self-antigens, which is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases. The study focuses on the role of specific proteins and pathways, particularly the Ras/Map kinase pathway, in regulating T cell activation and anergy. By examining naturally anergic T cells in mice, the research aims to uncover how certain proteins, like Runx1, influence T cell behavior and contribute to immune tolerance. This could lead to new insights into how the immune system maintains balance and prevents autoimmunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating autoimmune diseases by enhancing the body's ability to tolerate self-antigens.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell regulation and tolerance, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shapiro, Virginia Smith — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Shapiro, Virginia Smith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
All of Us Biobank expansion and biospecimen program
A large Mayo Clinic–led project to collect and store biological samples from a diverse group of adults in the U.S. to advance precision medicine.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Estrogen’s role in eye pressure and glaucoma risk
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how estrogen and its receptors might control eye pressure in people with a common form of glaucoma.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
ARTFL LEFFTDS Frontotemporal Dementia study cycle 2
This NIH grant supports a longitudinal study to understand and track frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and related disorders in people, aiming to uncover biomarkers and disease progression information that could help patients and families.
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.