Why T cells move into inflamed joints
T cell expression of inflammatory chemokine receptors
Researchers are finding the signals and genetic switches that make T cells travel into inflamed joints in people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332586 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how T cells in inflamed tissues like the joints read chemical signals and turn on receptors that guide them into those sites. Researchers will use CRISPR gene-editing screens and cytokine stimulation experiments to find which transcription factors and cytokines cause T cells to express receptors such as CCR2, CCR5, and CXCR6. They will analyze epigenetic patterns and spatial transcriptomics and grow human synovial organoids to see how cells interact in a tissue-like environment. You might be asked to donate blood or joint tissue so the team can connect lab findings to real human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with autoimmune joint disease—such as rheumatoid arthritis—who can provide blood or synovial tissue samples and can travel to the study site.
Not a fit: People without autoimmune joint disease or those expecting an immediate therapy are unlikely to get direct benefit from participating in this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block harmful T cells from entering joints and reduce pain and damage in autoimmune arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have shown these chemokine receptors are common on joint T cells and blocking chemokine pathways has sometimes reduced inflammation, but the combined use of CRISPR screens, spatial transcriptomics and human organoids is a newer strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Deepak Angara — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rao, Deepak Angara
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.