Understanding SERPINB1's Role in Immune Cell Function and Human Illnesses
The role of SERPINB1 in T cell function and its contribution to human diseases
This project aims to understand how a gene called SERPINB1 affects our immune cells, especially T cells, to help us better understand and treat serious immune system problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are genetic conditions that make people more vulnerable to infections, autoimmune issues, and cancer. By studying a patient with a PID and severe mycobacterial disease, we discovered a new genetic change in a gene called SERPINB1. While SERPINB1 was previously thought to affect other immune cells, our findings suggest it plays a crucial, previously unknown role in T cells, which are vital for fighting infections. This work uses advanced lab techniques to explore how SERPINB1 works in T cells and how its absence contributes to immune system problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with primary immunodeficiencies, particularly those with severe infections or unknown genetic causes for their immune problems, could ultimately benefit from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients without primary immunodeficiencies or related immune system disorders may not directly benefit from this specific basic science investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of primary immunodeficiencies and new ways to manage and treat patients with these conditions, especially those prone to severe infections.
How similar studies have performed: This project describes the first known case of complete SERPINB1 deficiency in a human, making the findings novel and the approach to understanding its role in T cells largely unexplored.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez Barricarte, Ruben — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Martinez Barricarte, Ruben
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.