Why some immune cells attack the body in partial RAG deficiency
Mechanisms driving extrafollicular polyreactive B cell lineages in partial RAG deficiency
This project looks at how certain B and T immune cells act in people with partial RAG deficiency to learn why they get repeated infections and autoimmune problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163276 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would give blood so researchers can compare your B cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with samples from people without RAG problems. The team will focus on extrafollicular polyreactive B cells (similar to age-associated B cells), measure the types of antibodies they produce, and test how these cells respond to microbial signals and inflammatory cytokines in the lab. They will link these laboratory findings to your history of infections and autoimmune symptoms to see how ongoing antigen exposure drives harmful immune responses. The aim is to identify specific cell behaviors or signals that could become targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with partial RAG deficiency or related combined immunodeficiencies, especially those with recurrent infections or autoimmune symptoms, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without RAG mutations or whose health problems are unrelated to this type of immune defect are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or treat infections and autoimmune complications in people with partial RAG deficiency.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has linked age-associated-like B cells and overactive Tfh cells to autoimmunity, but applying these findings specifically to partial RAG deficiency is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walter, Jolan Eszter — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Walter, Jolan Eszter
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.