Understanding how the thymus changes from infancy to adulthood
Mechanisms controlling distinct growth and functional characteristics of the perinatal and adult thymus
This study looks at how the thymus, a key organ for your immune system, changes as you grow from a baby to an adult, focusing on how these changes affect the development of important immune cells called T cells, using samples from both mice and humans to better understand this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10907485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the thymus, an important organ for immune function, changes from the perinatal period to adulthood. It focuses on the cellular and molecular features of the thymus that influence the development of T cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. By examining both mouse and human thymus samples, the research aims to identify changes in specific cell types and their functions during this transition. Advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplex imaging will be used to uncover the mechanisms that drive these changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include newborns and young children, as well as adolescents and adults who may have immune system disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with established autoimmune diseases or those outside the age range of 0-21 years may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of immune system development, potentially enhancing treatments for autoimmune diseases and improving newborn health.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies in humans, research in mice has shown promising results regarding thymus function and T cell development.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richie, Ellen R — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Richie, Ellen R
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.