Understanding how T cells decide to become helper or killer cells
Official title: Signals that Control Thymocyte Migration
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10910109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how T cells, which are important for fighting infections, decide whether to become helper cells or killer cells in the thymus, and it aims to understand the signals that influence these choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $467,556 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI064227-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect T cell function or those undergoing treatments that involve T cell manipulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to T cell function or those who do not have a need for T cell-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that guide T cells in the thymus to develop into either CD4 helper cells or CD8 killer cells, which are crucial for the immune response. By utilizing advanced single-cell mapping techniques, the study aims to uncover the connections between T cell receptor signaling and the activation of specific transcriptional networks that dictate cell fate. The research will also explore why certain thymocytes fully activate these networks while others do not, providing insights into fundamental cell fate decisions in mammals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for manipulating T cell responses in therapies for various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified key signaling pathways in T cell development, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robey, Ellen a — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Robey, Ellen 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.