Understanding how T cells divide to create different types of immune cells

Asymmetric cell division for fate commitment of human T cells

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11044178

This study is looking at how T cells, which are important for fighting diseases, divide in a way that helps them become different types of cells, and it's aimed at improving treatments that use these immune cells to help patients feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044178 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how human T cells use a process called asymmetric cell division to create daughter cells with different functions. By employing advanced techniques such as multicolor flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify the factors that influence T cell differentiation and persistence. The goal is to enhance T cell immunotherapy by optimizing how these immune cells are generated and maintained in the body. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that harness the power of their own immune cells to fight diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals undergoing T cell therapy or those with conditions that could be treated with enhanced T cell responses.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to T cell function or those not eligible for T cell therapies may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective T cell therapies for cancer and other diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell behavior and improving immunotherapy approaches, indicating that this area of study has potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.