T lymphocytes (T cells) are a subset of white blood cells and are essential for eradicating invading bacteria, virus, and tumor cells. However, T cells can also initiate and propagate many autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and lupus, if their function is not regulated properly. Better understanding of how the development and function of T cells is regulated can lead to novel treatments for many diseases. Preliminary data gathered at Dr. Ho's laboratory has suggested that a novel protein, namely itm2a, plays a critical role in regulating the development and function of T cells. In this project, Dr. Ho's team plans to study the impact of itm2a deficiency on T cells. Results generated from this project will establish itm2a as a rich therapeutic target in many clinical settings.

Public Health Relevance

Targeting T cells is therapeutic in many clinical settings. The molecular mechanism regulating the development and function of T cells is a very complicate process and still not fully understood. Published and our preliminary data have strongly suggested that the integral membrane protein itm2a plays a critical role in regulating the development and function of T cells. However, the physiological function of itm2a is largely unknown. The immediate goal of this project is to characterize the phenotype of T cells and mice that are made deficient in itm2a. Data generated from this project may uncover a novel pathway regulating the development and function of T cells.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03AI097724-01
Application #
8227163
Study Section
Cellular and Molecular Immunology - B Study Section (CMIB)
Program Officer
Prabhudas, Mercy R
Project Start
2012-02-15
Project End
2014-01-31
Budget Start
2012-02-15
Budget End
2013-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$86,895
Indirect Cost
$36,895
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
030811269
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Tai, Tzong-Shyuan; Pai, Sung-Yun; Ho, I-Cheng (2013) GATA-3 regulates the homeostasis and activation of CD8+ T cells. J Immunol 190:428-37