Understanding how to control TH17 cells in autoimmune diseases
Official title: Control of the Survival Pathways in TH17 Cells
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11035988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called TH17 cells contribute to conditions like asthma and autoimmune diseases, and it aims to find new ways to help turn off these cells to reduce their harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | January 22, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $221,888 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI187912-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035988 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases such as asthma or atrophic arthritis, particularly those who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune conditions that do not involve TH17 cells or those who are not experiencing significant symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of TH17 cells, which are involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The focus is on understanding how to activate death pathways in these cells to potentially reduce their pathogenic effects. The researchers will explore non-steroid pathways that influence TH17 cell survival and function, particularly through the activation of specific cytokines and signaling pathways. By targeting these pathways, the goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies for conditions like asthma and other autoimmune disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases by effectively controlling TH17 cell activity.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been promising approaches targeting TH17 cells, this specific investigation into the IRE1 and STAT3 pathways represents a novel exploration in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Xuexian — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yang, Xuexian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how a specific signaling molecule affects brain blood vessel health in dementia.
This study is looking at how a substance called sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) might help protect the blood-brain barrier and improve brain health for people with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, which can lead to dementia, and it hopes to find new ways to slow down or prevent this condition.
-
Administrative Core for a Cancer Research Program
This NIH grant funds an Administrative Core to manage a large cancer research program and ensure compliance, coordination, and data resources to support studies on cancer causes and patient populations.
-
Administrative Core for a cancer research program
A central hub at a major medical center helps coordinate cancer research, data resources, and compliance to accelerate progress for people affected by cancer.
-
Engagement Optimization for AI/AN Cancer Genomics and Care
A patient-friendly project aims to use AI tools to better understand cancer genetics in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and use that knowledge to improve screening, prevention, and treatment.
-
GenomeCharacterization for AI/AN Cancer Health
A large NIH project aims to map the cancer genomes of American Indian and Alaska Native people to uncover unique mutations and patterns that could improve cancer screening, prevention, and treatment for AI/AN communities.
-
Engaging AI/AN Communities in Cancer Genomics for Better Screening and Care
A community-engaged research effort to understand cancer genetics in American Indian and Alaska Native people with the goal of improving screening, prevention, and treatment.
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.