NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how TXLNA affects immune responses to DNA

Official title: Role of TXLNA in cytosolic DNA-mediated innate immunity

Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11094198 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a protein called TXLNA to see how it helps our immune system respond to germs, and it’s especially for people interested in understanding autoimmune diseases like lupus and finding new ways to treat them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project startJune 20, 2025
Project endMay 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$382,500
NIH project number1R01AI189439-01
Project IDNIH-11094198 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, or those undergoing cancer immunotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-autoimmune conditions or those not involved in cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called TXLNA in the immune system's response to DNA from pathogens. It focuses on how TXLNA interacts with other proteins involved in the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, which is crucial for producing immune responses. By using a special mouse model that lacks TXLNA, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that regulate immune activation and how this may relate to autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic targets for treating both autoimmune conditions and cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and improve cancer immunotherapy strategies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the cGAS-STING pathway, but the specific role of TXLNA in this context is still being explored.

Where this research is happening

  • Tulane University of Louisiana
    New Orleans, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Shitao — Tulane University of Louisiana
  • Study coordinator: Li, Shitao

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.