Understanding how T cells help heal tendons
Official title: The role of T cells in tendon healing
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10891720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells help tendons heal after injuries, with the goal of finding better ways to speed up recovery and prevent re-injury for people dealing with tendon problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $569,726 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081674-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with tendon injuries who are experiencing slow recovery or recurrent issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute tendon injuries that heal quickly or those without tendon injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of T cells in the healing process of tendon injuries, which are often slow to recover and prone to re-injury. The study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that differentiate effective healing from poor healing in tendons. By examining the immune environment and how T cell subpopulations influence healing, the research seeks to identify ways to enhance tendon recovery. The approach includes using animal models to explore the interactions between T cells and tendon cells, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for tendon injuries, enhancing recovery and reducing recurrence rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of T cells in tendon healing is not extensively studied, similar research in other areas of wound healing has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Alice H — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Huang, Alice H
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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.