Understanding how T cells survive in chronic autoimmune conditions
Official title: Mechanisms of T cell persistence during chronic autoimmunity
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10993633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why certain immune cells, called T cells, continue to be active and survive in people with autoimmune diabetes, which could help us find better ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $648,623 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175494-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diabetes or other chronic autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related conditions or those without chronic autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow self-reactive T cells to persist and function during chronic autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune diabetes. It focuses on how these T cells resist exhaustion and deletion, which are common in other T cell responses. By studying T cell populations in the pancreatic tissue, the research aims to uncover the factors that contribute to the survival and activity of these autoimmune T cells. This could lead to new insights into treatment strategies for autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with autoimmune diseases by targeting the mechanisms that allow harmful T cells to persist.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding T cell behavior in autoimmune conditions can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bettini, Maria — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Bettini, Maria
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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.