Understanding how the amino acid hypusine affects immune cells in tissues.
Official title: The Role of the Amino Acid Hypusine in the Maintenance and Function of Tissue-Resident Macrophages
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11035121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special amino acid called hypusine helps important immune cells, known as tissue-resident macrophages, stay healthy and do their job in the body, which could help us understand their role in diseases like cancer and healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $498,234 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170599-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who may have conditions affecting tissue immunity or inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those who do not have any immune-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of hypusine, an amino acid, in the maintenance and function of tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs), which are crucial for immune responses and tissue health. The study aims to uncover how hypusine influences the metabolism and activation of these immune cells, which are long-lived and derived from fetal progenitors. By exploring the cellular mechanisms behind TRM differentiation and persistence, the research seeks to provide insights into their roles in various diseases, including cancer and tissue repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance immune function and improve treatment outcomes for patients with various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearce, Erika L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pearce, Erika L
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.