Understanding how the thymus prevents autoimmune reactions during immune activation
Official title: TCR signaling in thymic selection: Role of innate immune activation
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11126836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of your immune system called the thymus helps keep your body from attacking itself during times of stress, like when you're healing from an injury or dealing with inflammation, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how we can prevent autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $641,069 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179749-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or those at risk of developing such disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established autoimmune diseases that are not related to T cell tolerance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the thymus in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens during immune activation, such as inflammation and wound healing. It aims to understand how type I and III interferons produced by the thymus influence T cell development and tolerance. The study will explore the mechanisms by which these interferons affect the selection of T regulatory cells, which are crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases. By examining these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into how the immune system can function effectively without triggering harmful autoimmune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing autoimmune diseases by enhancing T cell tolerance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell tolerance mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hogquist, Kristin a. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Hogquist, Kristin a.
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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.