NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how T cells move in the body

Official title: Defining CasL as an Orchestrator of T cell Migration

Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11103268 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special protein helps T cells move from the bloodstream into tissues, which is important for fighting infections and cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to boost the immune response for people with inflammatory diseases or cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUpstate Medical University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project startJune 4, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$407,500
NIH project number5R01AI185016-02
Project IDNIH-11103268 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve immune dysfunction, such as cancer or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable, non-inflammatory conditions or those not involving immune system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that control how T cells migrate from blood vessels into tissues, which is essential for immune responses against infections and tumors. The study focuses on a signaling protein called CasL that plays a critical role in T cell movement by responding to mechanical signals in their environment. By manipulating the signaling pathways involved, the research aims to enhance our understanding of T cell behavior, potentially leading to new treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained about improving immune responses through targeted therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in patients with cancer or inflammatory diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in manipulating immune cell migration, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Upstate Medical University
    Syracuse, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Roy, Nathan H. — Upstate Medical University
  • Study coordinator: Roy, Nathan H.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.