Understanding the role of lymphatic cells in the thymus during development
Official title: The Role of lymphatic endothelium in the developing thymus
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11091627 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells in the lymphatic system help the thymus grow and work properly during early life, which is important for building a strong immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173496-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091627 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children, particularly those under 4 weeks old, who are undergoing thymus development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults over 21 years old may not receive direct benefits from this research focused on neonatal thymus development.
What this research studies
This research investigates how lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) contribute to the development of the thymus, particularly during the neonatal period. It aims to uncover the complex interactions between these cells and thymic epithelial cells, which are crucial for immune system development. By utilizing advanced mouse models, the study will explore the previously overlooked lymphatic compartment of the thymus and its role in thymopoiesis and angiogenesis. This research could provide insights into how the thymus matures and functions, which may have implications for understanding immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune system development and potentially lead to improved therapies for immune-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of lymphatics in other organs has been studied, this specific focus on the thymus and its lymphatic compartment is novel and has not been extensively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crooks, Gay M — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Crooks, Gay M
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.