Understanding how the immune system detects harmful double-stranded DNA in cells.
Mechanistic Studies of cytosolic double-stranded DNA sensing pathways.
This study is looking at how our body's natural defense system detects certain types of DNA that can signal problems like infections or cell damage, which could help us understand how these processes work and why they sometimes go wrong in diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10865033 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the innate immune system senses double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytosol, which can indicate serious cellular issues such as pathogen invasion or radiation damage. By employing advanced techniques like X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, the study aims to uncover how specific proteins recognize and respond to dsDNA, potentially leading to inflammatory responses. The research will also explore how these sensing pathways can malfunction and contribute to various diseases, providing insights into their regulation and activation at the molecular level.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases or conditions related to immune system dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune system responses or those not exhibiting symptoms of dsDNA-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to immune system malfunctions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to DNA, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sohn, Jungsan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sohn, Jungsan
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 below.